Rory Levant Dixon's Obituary
When you try to define the sort of person Rory Dixon was to his family and friends, you imagine someone who is an all around great person, who loves his life and his family, who always makes himself available when needed. This is how Rory will be remembered, as a man who lived, loved and treasured every day with those who meant the world to him. The 1950's was an exciting decade in our nation's history as America strode confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. Rory entered these changing times on December 9, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a large close-knit family with his mother, Lelia Mae Jeffery and his eight siblings: Carole, Katy, Roderick, Willie, Keith, Terrance, Dana and Byron. His family was a god-fearing family and went to church regularly. As a young boy, Rory was quiet, yet smart as a whip and always happy. He spent much of his time reading books, listening to music, and taking special care of his little brother. Of course, Rory was a "straight A" student in school, and participated in various sports, including basketball and track. Rory was 16 when he met Victoria Dennie at a Halloween party, and it wasn't long before they became high school sweethearts. However, after Rory graduated from Chicago Vocational High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and proudly served for six years aboard the USS Ajax. Shortly after boot camp, Rory came home on furlough and married his sweetheart Vicki at the courthouse by the Justice of the Peace on August 18, 1973. He then returned to active duty until his honorable discharge on January 26, 1979. Once home, Rory and Vicki finally settled into married life together, and raised their two daughters together: Charmagne Patrice and Donica Lavon. To provide for his family, Rory became a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force at O'Hare Air Force Base. In 1996, he transferred to Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia until he retired in 2005. Rory loved his family dearly, and even though his marriage to Vicki ended after 16 years, they remained friends and devoted to their girls. Rory was always an attentive and caring father, and he never missed a special moment in their lives. Later, when he was blessed with five grandchildren: Stephanie, Simone, Cardell, Victoria and Caprice, and three great grandchildren: NaShawn, Brandyn and A'nyas, he poured so much love into these relationships as he did with his own children. Undoubtedly, Rory's happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his daughters and grandchildren. Having a strong family was important to Rory, and he looked forward to every family reunion to catch up with everyone. He was truly proud to be the best man at his brother Terrance's wedding last year - a day he truly treasured! Rory was simply a great guy. He had a heart that was open to everyone, and he never passed up helping someone in need. With his contagious laugh and sweet smile, Rory was the life of any party, especially when he was getting down on the dance floor to his favorite 70s and 80s tunes by the Stylistics, Diana Ross and Elton John. No one could touch his "groovy-ness" and if they tried he'd laugh and say "Hey, don't steal my moves!" Outside of the oldies but goodies music, Rory was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and classic cars. It was said that Rory loved his car more than himself. For as long as he physically could, Rory played sports of all kinds, including baseball, football, basketball and hockey. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed watching old movies as well as nature and history shows. Always a devoted father and grandfather, Rory will be frequently remembered and greatly missed by the family he so dearly loved. Rory Dixon passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. Visitation for Rory will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Please visit Rory's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a thought/memory with his family and sign the online guest book.
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