Carlton E. Dixon, Sr.

Carlton E. Dixon, Sr. passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023 after a short stay at  Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carolyn H.  Dixon; his Son, Carlton E. Dixon, Jr. (wife Beth); Daughter, Kimberly A. Hanenburg (husband Tim); and Stepson, Kevin L. Carlyle.  Carlton was blessed with seven Grandchildren and seven Great-Grandchildren. Also surviving are his two brothers, Charles Lyerly Dixon from Morehead City, NC and Donald Lyn Dixon from Virginia Beach VA., as well as his former wife, Fay Grimm, mother of his children. Carlton was predeceased by his parents, Charles Henry Dixon and Addie Mae Lyerly 

Carlton was born April 6, 1936 in Norfolk, VA.  Carlton lived a full life.  He dearly loved The Lord, his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He loved his Church, Franklin Heights Rocky Mount Campus, and his church family. Carlton participated in a Men’s Bible study from its very beginnings in the 1990’s, when it was a small group of men meeting in homes.  It continues today with more than 20+ members meeting at the Union Hall Campus of Franklin Heights Church. He was always one of the first ones there every week.  He loved it!

Carlton was employed directly out of high school as an electronics technician with IBM in 1955. That was the beginning of a 32-year career with the company.  He quickly advanced within the company to branch manager.  Other positions followed and his final assignment was as an international executive consultant stationed in Brussels, Belgium.  He spent three years there, leading executive training programs throughout Europe.  After returning to the US in 1986, he retired a year later at age 51.  IBM asked if he would consider working as a consultant after retirement, which he did for another 10 years.

Sports were a big part of Carlton’s life. He especially enjoyed football. He was a starting player for four years at Maury High School, Norfolk, VA.  He was voted VP of his Class, as well as Most Athletic and Most School Spirit.  Carlton became an avid Virginia Tech fan when his son and daughter, followed by two grandchildren attended college there.  

Carlton also  enjoyed hunting, snow skiing, boating, and traveling. He did them all with a sense of adventure and joy.

Carlton was a patriot.  He signed up at age 17 to join the navy with two years active duty and 6 years reserves. He had expected to participate fully in  active duty but the bill he signed up expired before he had an opportunity to serve. He did serve in the naval reserves for 6 years.

Carlton built his home at Smith Mountain Lake, VA after retirement in 1987.  That was his “happy place”. He was blessed to remain there until his passing. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Fostering Champions, 690 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Franklin Heights Church with Pastors Stan Parris and Mark Long officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1 PM at Franklin Heights Church. A private burial will take place in Christ Community Church Cemetery.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.