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John Dixon Obituary
'Sonny'
Mr. Dixon, 87, lifelong resident of the Steele Creek Community of Charlotte, NC, passed away, Saturday morning, November 19, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center - Main.
Sonny, as he was affectionately known, was born November 5, 1924 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the only child of the late John Craig Dixon, Sr. and Eva Wilson. He played in baseball from 1941 to 1960 except for three years while he was serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Sonny played in the major leagues for 3 1/2 years with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees. He held The American League record for appearing in 54 games in 1954, was inducted into the American Legion Hall of fame in 1989, and was the 'Old Timer' of the year in Ringgold, GA at the Catoosa County Special Olympics.
After his retirement from baseball in 1960 he worked over 35 years at a convience store in the Steele Creek Community. He was a longtime member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.
Friends may call on the Dixon family Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon. A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from the sanctuary of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Valarie Phillips, Associate Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.
Mr. Dixon is survived by his only daughter, Samantha-Lynn Laughlin and her husband, Robert of Charlotte, NC; he was 'Big Paw Paw' to a granddaughter, Melissa Laughlin and her husband, Brad Earman; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Mitch Earman; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Liles; and various cousins and a special friend, Brandon Smith.
Memorials may be made to The Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Tommey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Condolences may be sent to www.mcewenfs.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dixon
December 13, 2011
Hello Lynn.
Sonny was such a kind man and I have the greatest memories of him growing up in Charlotte.He would mesmerize us with some of his baseball stories. He told us for some reason he had a knack for getting Ted Williams out and there was one game in particular where Ted hit a weak ground ball to Sonny on the mound and how Ted cursed him all the way to first base.Great story especially the way Sonny told it.My condolences for the loss of your father.I'll miss him
Tony Montagnino
Christine Montagnino Martin
November 26, 2011
I am so sorry to ear of your father's passing. Sonny was bigger than life to all us Montagnino kids. He was a great role model for young athletes hoping to make it in baseball. After a visit to our house I remember him always saying to your mother, "Evelyn, are you ready to head to the country?" I also remember the wonderful Christmas Eve parties at your parent's home. He was a great man who will always be in my heart. My prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Montagnino
November 25, 2011
Dear Lynn,
I tried to get in touch with Sonny the past two years.He would come by my house when he was still driving, and talk with my sons about baseball. If you remember us we lived next door to the Rowes. We are the Montagninos.I couldn't remember your married name to ask you about him. His passing has touched us with fond memories of him and your mother.Please except our deepest condolences.Sorry we didn't know sooner. With most sincere regards we remain, Nancy, Joey,Tony,John,Scotti(pooh, which your mother named him)Mike and Chris Montagnino
Joe Montagnino
November 24, 2011
Lynn, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences of the loss of your dear father Sonny. I had the honor of knowing Sonny for many years growing up in Charlotte, as he and Evelyn were family friends for years. Not only do I have his baseball card, also team picture of the 1956 Yankees, all the Christmas Parties hosted at the Dixon residence I remember as a teenager. Sonny was always the greatest joke teller, and story teller as I can remember. I always looked up to him, his major league career, and role model for us teenagers playing baseball. He left an indelible legacy with us kids forever. Rest in Peace Sonny and God Bless your family.
Cynthia Starnes
November 24, 2011
Samantha i am really sorry to hear about your dad. he was a real special man to me ,i worked with your dad at Handy Pantry for 31/2 years he will be truly missed . Now he is in heaven with your mom and may god bless them both . Cynthia Starnes (cindi) Charlotte N.C.
Billie Jean Collins
November 23, 2011
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about your Daddy's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Bobbie Harding
November 22, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about Sonny. He was always such a nice man and he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bobbie Lynn Harding
Wendy Pitts
November 22, 2011
David and I were so very sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
November 22, 2011
Sonny was a wonderful man. I met him when he worked at the Handy Pantry at S. Tryon and Westinghouse. He would tell me about his baseball days and when I asked him if he would sign his baseball card for me, he told me if i would get one for him too, he would sign mine. I did and he did. He was very good to me and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Linda Rea (Charlotte, NC)
November 21, 2011
Howard and I would like to express our sincere sympathy for the loss of your dad, Our family and friends have you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Howard and Connie Jenkins (Matthews, NC)
Larry & Gwen Sexton
November 21, 2011
We will miss Sonny at the annual summer get-together. Our thought and prayers are with the family.
KEN CLARK
November 20, 2011
EVEN THOUGH I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET MR. DIXON HE AUTOGRAPH A BASEBALL CARD TO A FRIEND YEARS AGO FOR ME. I STILL HAVE THE CARD.MR. DIXON WAS A GREAT MAN AND CONSIDER HIM AS A HALL OF FAMER. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY
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