David Arthur Dixon, 83, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Born on May 24, 1939, in Royal Oak, Michigan to Fred Arthur Dixon and Henrietta Irene Holloway. After graduating from St. Claire High School, he attended Michigan State University. Dave then joined the Navy to attend flight school. A native of Michigan he had always dreamed of being a pilot as two of his uncles were fighter pilots. It was while he was in Naval flight training in Pensacola, FL that he met his beloved wife, Sue. They were married in August 1962.
After successfully completing Naval flight training at the top of his class, Dave began his career flying the A-4 Skyhawk off the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise with Squadron VA -76. He completed two Mediterranean cruises followed by an around-the-world cruise, Operation Sea Orbit, the United States Navy’s Nuclear Task Force One. He was also in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After serving 5 years as an Aviator in the Navy, his love for flying ultimately landed him a job as a pilot with Eastern Airlines, flying DC-9s, 727s and L10-11s throughout North and South America. Dave and Sue and their son and two daughters made their home in Miami, then later to Coral Springs before moving to Mount Dora and building a beautiful home on Lake Gertrude where they lived for 42 years. During his four-decade flying career, logging more than 17,000 hours of flying time, both military and civilian, he retired from US Airways as a Captain Check Airman on the Boeing 727 which he loved.
During his extraordinary life, he enjoyed 59 years of marriage to Sue. He was a devoted husband and father and never missed the opportunity to spend time with his family. Dave was very active in the Episcopal Church serving as Senior Warden on the Vestry, as a Lay Eucharist Minister and Lay Reader. He also loved singing in the choir. Dave and Sue were also active in the Episcopal Cursillo Ministry and served and led many team weekends together. He was purposeful and intentional in his service to those in need. He made it a point to instill that same philosophy and passion to his children and had great pride knowing that he left a lasting legacy to serve others less fortunate.
Dave’s greatest joy was being involved in his two daughters, son, and grandchildren’s lives. He never missed a horse show for Jane, a basketball or baseball game for David, or a swim meet for Julie when they were growing up. He loved waking up early to fish on the lake and taking kids waterskiing. He was also an avid golfer and loved to travel with Sue and his kids. He was the happiest when the house was full of family and friends celebrating Easter, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or just family gatherings and being together.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cindy Caterer. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue of Ormond Beach; daughters Jane Vasiliades (Peter) of Ormond Beach and Julie Motzel (Larry) of Orlando; son David Dixon (Kara) of Flagler Beach; brothers, Richard Dixon, Larry Dixon, and Kenny Dixon; sisters, Lin McCracken, Carol Murabito (Steve) and Margaret Boden (Jim); seven grandchildren, Aaron Magisano, Gabriella Dixon, William Morris, Mary Katherine Morris, Lawrence Motzel, John Motzel, and Will Motzel.
A memorial ceremony will be held in the Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Directors chapel on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:30 AM until service time. A graveside ceremony with military honors will follow the chapel service at Lakeside Memory Gardens.
To view the chapel memorial ceremony online, click the link below at service time or any time thereafter.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/75008
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Disabled American Veterans at P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
