Russell Doyle Dixon

Russell “Doyle” Dixon, 56, a lifelong resident of Nash County, passed peacefully at Transitions LifeCare Hospice in Raleigh on January 11, 2023, with his Mama holding his hand, and with Emmy and Chuck by his side. This came after a four month hospitalization at Rex Hospital.

Doyle was born July 7, 1966, to Russell Dixon and Lois Langley Dixon of Rocky Mount. Doyle entered the world with health issues that would remain with him throughout his life. Despite the challenges and difficulties he experienced from such a young age due to his health, Doyle did not become embittered or cynical about his life. Instead, he had a kind heart and a gentle nature that earned him many friends and often helped him deal with persons who seemed unsure about Doyle because of his physical appearance. In his own unique and limited way, Doyle proved time and again that the true measure of a person is what lies on the inside and not the outside.

Doyle had a special fondness for the elderly and children. Since Doyle’s health issues made him old before his time in many ways, it only seemed natural that he could relate to the elderly and their own health issues. Although an adult in body and age, Doyle always had the spirit of a little boy inside him and there is no doubt that it played a part in him being most comfortable around children. There is likely no shortage of young adults who spent their childhood in Ricks Plantation and fondly remember rides around the neighborhood on Doyle’s golf cart with his beloved dog, “Molly”, at his side or Doyle being their “big kid” babysitter. Later in life, Doyle achieved a sense of independence and lived on his own for many years at Covenant Homes. Doyle was a hobby car enthusiast and had quite a collection of the miniature scale cars. He also enjoyed attending classic car shows with friends. Doyle liked electronic gadgets and by default became a “computer nerd”. Doyle’s solution to technical issues with his devices was to keep clicking the buttons and then call Martin or Keith! Under the tutelage of his Mama, Doyle learned the value of a dollar and also learned to be a savvy stock investor with an unorthodox approach that often achieved surprising results. Doyle had a sense of humor that was both wry and goofy at times, but usually left you with a smile. Much like his Daddy, he enjoyed a good prank and a bit of mischief. In the end, Doyle was a good son.

Doyle was preceded in death by his father, Russell Dixon, and his faithful dog, “Molly”. He leaves to cherish his memory, mother Lois Langley Dixon; and sister, Dr. Emmy Hurst (Chuck).

The family would like to acknowledge Martin Coats and Keith Sload for their valued friendship and support of Doyle over the years as well as childhood friend, Jimmy Morgan, for his kindness and thoughtfulness. The family is especially grateful to former neighbors Wendy and Randy Gilbert, who treated Doyle like family and always made him feel special. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to two of Doyle’s neighbors from Covenant Homes, Miss Faye and Miss Linda.

A service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 16, 2023 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park “The Chapel of Memories” with Gary Pettet officiating. A visitation will follow the service. Mask will be available but not required. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doyle’s honor to the Children’s Tumor Foundation at ctf.org, which is dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis.