John Dixon, age seventy-three, of Cumberland, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. John was born on December 27, 1950, in Lynch, KY, to James and Myrtle Hall Dixon.

The baby of ten children, John was always a people-person; a gentle, giving soul who thrived while serving others. He graduated from Lynch High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. John served four years in the military, some of those years in Vietnam, as a recovery vehicle operator and a marksman. His years of service were among his most proud accomplishments in his lifetime. He loved the United States of America and was so very proud to have served this great country. John continued serving his county, his country, and his fellow veterans as the Commander of VFW Post 5171 and also as a Service Officer for the VFW, assisting other Veterans as they applied for benefits. John and Cleon Cornett co-founded the Eastern Kentucky Veteran's Memorial Park in Cumberland.

After John was discharged from the USAF, he married the love of his life, Shelia Henry, they made their home in the Cumberland area, and started a family. John began working in the mines in 1972 and obtained his associate degree from Southeast Community College during those years. He went on to become a Federal Mine Inspector with MSHA. After thirty-two in the mining industry, he retired in 2004.

A huge Kentucky Wildcat fan, John and Shelia had season tickets for basketball and football and thoroughly enjoyed tailgating. They loved to travel together when they were able. John was a hunter and enjoyed spending time with his daughter, son, and his friends on hunting trips. He had a great sense of humor. He was a proud Mason with the Benham and Cumberland lodges. Most of all, John loved his family, especially his grandchildren and was always putting others before himself, serving the best interest of everyone around him. He simply wanted to make sure everyone had everything they needed. His presence leaves a void that cannot be filled but his memories will live on in the lives of those he loved so well.

John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Myrtle Dixon; six siblings: Dolly Watts, Dorothy Brown, Tim, Jimmie, Kimble, and Jeannie Dixon; and a nephew, Shane Ray.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of fifty-two years, Shelia Dixon, of Cumberland; a daughter, Amy Dixon, and her son, Dixon Kincheloe, of Paintsville; a son, John Jacob Dixon, and wife, Kristen, of Lexington and their children, Allie Diggs and Collyns Dixon; three siblings: Toy Dixon, Joy Purdy, Dixie Ray; two special friends, Ira Sergent and Ray McKinney, who walked this difficult journey with John and Shelia from beginning to end; a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many dear friends.

John was one half of Johnnie and Jeannie—they would grow up to be one of four pairs of twins named "Johnnie and Jeannie" living the Tri-City area.  Jeannie preceded him in death nearly ten years ago and it was John's request the two be interred together.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 12:30-3:00 in the chapel of Tri City Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00pm. Reverend Dennis Williams will be speaking. Military Rites will be held at the Eastern Kentucky Veteran's Memorial Park immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Eastern Kentucky Veteran's Memorial Park.  Donations can be made at 506 West Main Street, Cumberland, KY 40823.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. John Dixon.