Jack Phillip Nix

Jack Phillip Nix, 93, of Atlanta and Cleveland, Ga., died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 28, 2014, in Savannah, Ga.

He was born in Cleveland, Ga., on Oct. 6, 1921, to Harrison and Cora Stansel Nix. He was married to the love of his life, Ruby E. Ash, for 69 years.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Jack served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant during World War II. He returned from the Army and began his lifelong dedicated service in the field of education as an agriculture teacher in Habersham and Banks counties; school superintendent of Banks County; state supervisor of Teacher Certification; state director of Vocational Education; and as Georgia State school superintendent from 1966 until his retirement in 1977.

During his educational career as vocational supervisor and state school superintendent, he established the statewide kindergarten program, improved teachers' pay, and through his initiative, 18 vocational schools across the state of Georgia were built. He received honorary doctorate degrees from Piedmont College and John Marshall Law School.

Jack was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ga., until his health began to fail. He was a Mason, member of the Scottish Rite, and the Yarab Temple.

Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father, and grandfather. He never met a stranger, and never failed to speak to anyone and offer a handshake. He always saw the good in people. He believed that an education was the most important thing a person could possess and that it was one thing that no one could ever take away from you.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Cora Nix; brothers, Earl Nix, Vernon Nix; and sisters, Frances Winchester and Thelma Russell; and son-in-law, Elliott Graham.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Nix; son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Sharon Nix; daughter, Phyllis Graham; six grandchildren, Pamela Elms, Graham Nix, Jay Graham, Kevin Nix, Ashby Rush, and Corbin Nix; three great-grandchildren, Maggie Nix, Jackson Nix, and Ethan Nix; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Sue Nix; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Ann and Crawford Skelton and Ruth Gurley.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at First Baptist Church of Cleveland at 11 a.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Gateway Memorial Park.

If you choose, remembrances may be given to First Baptist Church of Cleveland Georgia, P.O. Box 250, Cleveland, GA 30528.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.