Fredrick Terry Hixson

Fredrick "Terry" Hixson, age 88, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans' Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, FL. He was born August 1, 1936, in Ypsilanti, MI, to the late Fredrick and Frances Hixson.

Terry was an atomic veteran who served proudly as a radiological monitor in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, participating in more than 50 aboveground nuclear weapons tests in Nevada and the Pacific.

After his military service he graduated from Eastern Michigan University, although he was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan football team - "Go Blue!"

After graduation, Terry married Sandra (Sandy) Notario in Ida, MI, before making their new home in Las Vegas, NV. Terry and Sandy later moved to Indianapolis, IN, before settling in Port Charlotte, FL, where he was Charlotte County's first regional planning director.

He loved Charlotte County, and during almost 20 years of service with the county and City of Punta Gorda he worked diligently to preserve the area's natural beauty as the region experienced tremendous growth.

After their retirement, Terry and Sandy spent time in Port Charlotte and Las Vegas before moving to Jensen Beach, FL, where he loved to ride his bike. Anyone who knew Terry will remember him as a kindhearted family man who was always up for a friendly game of cards.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; and his son, Eric. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his sons, Randall and Christopher; grandchildren, Kelly, Dylan, Jonathan, Daniel, and Elena; and great-grandchildren, Phoenix, and Neve.