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Murray L. Dixon, 77, was the oldest of ten children, born on May 4, 1942 to Queenie Blakely Dixon and the late Casey James “Buster” Dixon, Sr. He accepted Christ at a young age and joined fellowship at East St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful member, Chairman of Deacons, former usher, and Sunday School Teacher.
Murray graduated from Oxford Training School in 1961 and continued his studies at Mississippi Valley State University until graduation in 1965. He received his Master of Natural Science at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1974 and finished additional studies at The University of Mississippi from 1976-1986. He excelled in academics and was a lover of all sports. He was inducted into the Mississippi Valley State University Hall of Fame in 2012. Murray touched the lives of many through his teaching and coaching at the Lafayette County Schools, West Clay County Schools, and Water Valley High School.
Murray married the love of his life, Emma Dean Willingham, in 1966. To this union, four children were born. He lived his life serving the Lord and serving others. Murray enjoyed coaching football, track and basketball. He was an active member of the Mississippi Valley State Alumni Board, a founding member of the Men’s Civic Club, and the Mississippi Association of Coaches. In recent years, one could find Murray watching his favorite western shows on TV, reading the paper, or enjoying a laugh with family and friends. His granddaughters kept him young and full of life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Willingham Dixon, his father Casey Dixon, Sr, and his three brothers Bobby Gene, Casey, Jr., and Benny Ray Dixon.
Left to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his four heartbeats, his children; Thomas (Angenette Smith) Dixon of Flowood, MS, Dr. Talisa Dixon of Columbus, OH, Tansy Dixon of Lawrenceville, GA, and Timothy (Sakia Gable) Dixon of Wetumpka, AL. His pride and joy, granddaughters Zoe Alexandria Williams and Kaiya Gabrielle Dixon; his mother, Queenie Blakely Dixon; devoted sisters, Fannie Evans, Mae Ruth Dixon, and Sarah Dixon Pegues of Oxford, MS, Dorothy Dixon of Greenwood, MS, Christine (Calvin) Fox of Charlotte, NC, and Carolyn Dixon, Memphis, TN; one aunt, Aileen Sims of Grand Rapids, MI; one uncle, Horace “Ray” Dixon of Bartlesville, OK; sister-in-laws, Shirley Willingham Booker, Minnie Lee Shack, Alice Carter, all of Memphis, TN and Fannie Willingham, Maudean Willingham and Reba Willingham all of Oxford, and brother-in-law, Edward (Georgia) Willingham of Memphis TN; three close friends, Clyde Goolsby, Willie Frank Goolsby and William “Doug” Young of Oxford, MS; a special neighbor, Allie B. Shaw and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
Murray and Emma Willingham Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund at First National Bank
101 Courthouse Square, Oxford MS 38655
Tel: 1-662-234-2821