Grace Parnell Dixon

Grace Parnell Dixon, 93, widow of Ralph T. Dixon, died Sunday, August 1, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 10:00AM at Macon Memorial Park. The Reverends Steve Waldorf and Alan Benson will officiate. Mrs. Dixon was a native of South Carolina, but spent most of her adult life in Macon. She was a retired registered nurse, first serving four years as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. After World War II, she worked as an office nurse for Doctors Swilling and Suarez until joining the Macon-Bibb County Health Department. She retired from her position there as "Coordinator of Nursing Services" after 25 years. Mrs. Dixon was married to her husband for 45 years until his death in 1992. They had met when she took flying lessons during World War II; he was her flight instructor. She went on to log over 100 hours of flying time as a private pilot. In her early forties, Mrs. Dixon became an enthusiastic and skilled golfer. She competed in tournaments throughout the Middle Georgia area and was Ladies Club Champion at Riverside Golf and Country Club on three occasions. She and her husband were founding members of Riverside Golf Club. Mrs. Dixon was a past member of the Pilot Club of Macon, Garden Club International and Bowden Ladies Golf Association. She was a charter member of Riverside United Methodist Church and the Harold Beatty Sunday School Class. Since retirement, Mrs. Dixon had done volunteer work for various organizations and enjoyed several years as a volunteer in her church office. Mrs. Dixon is survived by her son, Ralph T. (Tom) Dixon, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Becky Dixon of Woodstock, GA, and one grandson, Steven Dixon of Marietta, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church, 735 Pierce Avenue, Macon, GA 31204. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.