C.J. Hixson

C.J. graduated from Fort Smith High School with my sister, Willa Dean Grimes, and they became life-long friends. C.J. had no siblings and Willa no brothers, so they became like family. Willa joyfully introduced C.J. to Barbara Brickey, and they later married. C.J.'s faith in Christ Jesus and his love for teaching the Word was so evident in his daily life. Knowing C.J. was a real joy!

I graduated from Ft , Smith Sr. in 1952 C.J. was ahead of me in our classes. Very well known and respected. I remember when we won the state basketball championship. As a reward they let us out of school the rest of the day. Iplayed on the Golf team . one year we went to Little Rock and C.J. went for Tennis. For some reason he rode home with me and we were in a rain storm coming back home. Just some memories. I moved to Tulsa in 1955. I never saw C.J. after that ...

C J was our mentor growing up during summers at Tilles Park in Fort Smith, Ar. He taught us tennis and other sports but, most importantly, he taught us the importance of kindness and sharing with others. He will be missed but not forgotten.

We loved C.J. ...when you are a tennis player you become a family...loved playing tennis with him but most of all so blessed to be friends...blesssing to all...Coach Ron Cox and Londa

CJ was my tennis hitting partner and personal friend for many years. We often discussed our mutual Christian faith and undying love for our family members. CJ was my assistant tennis coach in 2004 when we led the ORU Men's Tennis Team to a conference championship and received the NCAA Division 1 National Championships bid. I look forward to the future of playing on our golden tennis courts my good friend.

C J was one of the finest Christian men I have known. It was my pleasure to work with him at Sun and Ski.