John C. Dixon Jr. "Sonny" Passes Away

Mr. Dixon, 87, lifelong resident of the Steele Creek Community of Charlotte, NC, passed away, Saturday morning, November 19, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center - Main.

Sonny, as he was affectionately known, was born November 5, 1924 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the only child of the late John Craig Dixon, Sr. and Eva Wilson. He played in baseball from 1941 to 1960 except for three years while he was serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Sonny played in the major leagues for 3 1/2 years with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees. He held The American League record for appearing in 54 games in 1954, was inducted into the American Legion Hall of fame in 1989, and was the 'Old Timer' of the year in Ringgold, GA at the Catoosa County Special Olympics.

After his retirement from baseball in 1960 he worked over 35 years at a convience store in the Steele Creek Community. He was a longtime member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Friends may call on the Dixon family Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon. A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from the sanctuary of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Valarie Phillips, Associate Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his only daughter, Samantha-Lynn Laughlin and her husband, Robert of Charlotte, NC; he was 'Big Paw Paw' to a granddaughter, Melissa Laughlin and her husband, Brad Earman; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Mitch Earman; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Liles; and various cousins and a special friend, Brandon Smith.

Memorials may be made to The Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Tommey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Condolences may be sent to www.mcewenfs.com.

Published in Charlotte Observer from November 20 to November 21, 2011

THIS IS THE SONNY DIXON WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

Editors Note: Sonny Dixon came to the Philadelphia Athletics on June 11,1954 along with Al Sima & Bill Wilson and $20,000 in exchange for Gus Keriazakos from the Senators & Bill McGhee from the White Sox in what then was a 3 team trade. In 1954 Sonny appeared in only 38 games for the A's with a record of 5 & 7. Sonny was a very gracious guest at one of the Society's Breakfast Reunions and was thrilled when he was presented with a replica of his Athletics home uniform bearing his number #24. With all of his other teammates who have passed away he will be dearly missed by the A's Society.