Arthur Ray Dixon
Arthur Ray Dixon, born on February 14, 1935, in the Nutbush Community of Brownsville, TN, peacefully passed away in his sleep on February 20, 2026, at the Tennessee State Veteran’s Home in Humboldt, TN. He was 91 years old.
Ray dedicated his life to education and service, leaving a profound legacy as a beloved teacher and coach. He taught at Union University, and held adjunct positions at St. Frances College of Joliet, Cumberland University, Jackson State, and Dyersburg State Community Colleges. His diverse teaching career included roles with the Tennessee National Guard and a computer class for UT-Martin. He also spent an impressive 35 years coaching and teaching within the Haywood County School System, positively influencing countless students along the way.
In addition to his educational contributions, Ray was an ordained minister with a devoted pastoral career that spanned 45 years. Over this time, he served four churches in Haywood County, sharing his faith and guidance with a diverse congregation. As a respected author, Ray contributed numerous articles to the States Graphic, further showcasing his commitment to education and community engagement.
Ray’s impact as a teacher resonated deeply with his students, many of whom fondly remembered him not just as an instructor, but also as a coach in basketball, tennis, golf, and track and field. He took joy in sharing unique experiences with high school students during summer trips to Europe and camping adventures in the national parks of the West.
Educationally, Ray held a baccalaureate degree in science from Union University and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis. His academic pursuits were not limited there, as he accumulated 45 additional credit hours in doctoral studies. His passion for teaching and service was evident in every aspect of his professional career.
Ray proudly served in the United States Navy as a corpsman, where he was assigned to Guam, further exemplifying his commitment to service.
Throughout his life, he was a loving husband to his late wife, Kathryn Smith Dixon. He is survived by his nephews, Cecil Thomas Dixon (Sue), Ed Sanford (Libba); his nieces, Joanne Dixon Smith, Donna Dixon Mitcham (Jeffrey), Martha Dixon Akins (Kevin), and Elizabeth Sanford Hidley (Jim) and numerous great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a lifelong friend, Jim Haywood.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur and Alla Jeanette Waddell Dixon; his brother, James Everette Dixon (Fern); and his sisters, Mary Virginia Dixon and Claire Dixon Tomlin (Paul); and his nephews Edward Rue Dixon and James Dale Dixon.
A graveside service will be held in Ray’s honor on February 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with military honors and Dr. Dub Oliver officiating, at Trinity Cemetery in Nutbush, Brownsville, TN. Family and friends will gather to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of a man who devoted himself to education, service, and his community. All arrangements and services are under the direction of Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.
