Johnny Lee Dixon, 77, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Johnny was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Alvin and Dorothy Dixon on September 3, 1946. In his early years, he worked as a butcher in a beef packing house in Kansas City, Missouri. He was drafted into the army in February 1966. He served his time overseas in Germany. His service ended in 1968 with an honorable discharge. He worked at Franklin Electric in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he met his wife, Lorena “Pat” Dixon. They were married in Stilwell, Oklahoma, in 1982. They have celebrated 41 years together. After leaving Franklin Electric, they moved to Atascadero, California, where Johnny worked full-time while attending college full-time. Johnny retired from the Atascadero State Hospital in California as a licensed psychiatric technician and a State Peace Officer. He served on the board of directors for the Nicut Fire Department from 1997 to 1999 and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 4518 of Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Johnny gave his family love, guidance, and valuable life lessons. He was a very proud man and took pride in working hard for what he had. He loved singing karaoke, playing guitar, fishing, caring for his cattle, and shooting pool with his friends. His most prized possessions were his kids and grandkids. They all loved their Poppy dearly. He was the best example of love, strength, character, integrity, and honest intentions. He mastered spoiling his loved ones by showing unconditional love and patience.
Johnny is survived by the love of his life of 41 years, Lorena “Pat” Dixon, their only daughter, Sherri Kelly, and their only son, Paul, and Jules Harper. His grandchildren, Crystal and Bradley Morris, Dane and Rachael Bashta, Kurtis and Aime Searson, Drew and Estephani Harper, and his great-grandchildren, Harmony Cartwright, Drayson Cartwright, Braylyn Morris, Paige Diffee, Ryan Diffee, and Kailee and Sylas Searson. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy Clifton, and his sister-in-law, Pat Clifton.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 03, 2024, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 04, 2024, at Akins Cemetery, with Heath Wood officiating.
The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Forever Memories Funeral Services, INC., Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
