Darnell Orlando Dixon

Darnell “Donnie” Dixon, of Lynchburg, VA, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born on June 21, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Clyde J. Dixon, Sr. and Ada C. Dixon. He was educated in the Baltimore City School System and baptized at Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore at an early age.

In his teen years, Donnie relocated with his family to Concord, Virginia, where he later joined Pilot Mountain Baptist Church. He remained a devoted and active member of the congregation throughout his life.

Donnie was a gifted and multi-talented musician, well known throughout Concord and surrounding areas for his dedication to music. He was an accomplished guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist. He faithfully served as a musician for the Pilot Mountain Men’s Chorus and church choir and lent his talents to many local choirs over the years. Earlier in life, he performed with Soul Brothers Plus and the Houseband of VA, sharing his passion for music across several genres.

Donnie had a servant’s heart and was always ready to help anyone in need, continuing to serve his church and community even as his health declined. His generous spirit and musical legacy have left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. We will deeply miss his presence, his voice, and the melodies he so lovingly shared — but we take comfort in knowing he now sings in the “Heavenly Choir” he so often spoke of.

Donnie was preceded in death by his son, James Ferguson, Jr; he was married to the late Evelyn V. Dixon.

He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Ivette Ferguson and Shawnda Ferguson, both of Lynchburg, VA; six grandchildren: James Strange Jr. (Jessica), Joshua Ferguson (Kristie), Que Ferguson, Jessica Ferguson, Jaylon Ferguson, and Trezel Sparrow; and ten great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers, Clyde Dixon, Jr. (Alfreda) and Robert Dixon; one sister, Lorie Dixon-Boynton (Bobby); and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday July 5, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 5517 Pleasant Valley Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24504, with the burial following the funeral service at Pilot Mountain Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist with funeral expenses by contacting Tharp Funeral Home directly at 434-237-9424 during our business hours of 8 AM - 5 PM.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.