Delbert Clinton Dixon

Delbert Clinton Dixon died June 4, 2013 in Knox County, Tennessee. Delbert was born July 23, 1925 in Wayne County, the oldest son of [William] McKinley Dixon and Elgin Todd Dixon. Preceded in death by his parents, his only brother Glenn Dixon and half sister, Mamie Dixon Haddock. His wife, Octalee Isabel Brewer Dixon (to whom he was married for over 60 years) died in 2008. He is survived by his only child, Sherrye Le Dixon Hembree and husband, Steve Hembree; grandchildren Eric Hembree and Cynthia Hembree Rolen who all reside in Knoxville, TN. Great grandchildren: Sophye Isabella “Bella” Hembree and Cohen Christopher “Coco” Rolen. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Nell Dixon Russell and his nephew, Hal Dixon; several step nephews and many, many Dixon and Todd cousins in Wayne County.



Delbert was born and reared on Shawnette Creek and then joined the U.S. Army where he served in the U.S. and India. He graduated from barber college in Nashville, and owned Dixon’s Barber Shop in East Nashville for over 45 years. His clients included fellow members of Lockeland Baptist Church, the East Nashville community, and numerous musicians for Grand Ole Opry stars that included Hank Williams, Sr.’s bass player. Delbert played both the guitar and fiddle and loved country and western music.



He and Octalee returned to Wayne County in the spring of 1994 upon his retirement. He gardened, fished and hunted – lifelong passions – particularly fishing and deer hunting with his brother and cousins. Delbert ran Melvin Dixon’s Barber Shop in Collinwood until 2003 – ending a 56 year career as a barber. Wayne County was the place he came home to and re-enjoyed all the wonderful things from his childhood.



Graveside services will be Friday, June 7, 2013 at 3:30 PM at Shawnettee Memorial Gardens in Collinwood, Tennessee, with Bo Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Shawnettee Memory Gardens with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.