John Howard Dixon

John Howard Dixon DDS

(January 22 ,1928 — February 5, 2024)

John Howard Dixon DDS passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on

Monday, February 5, 2024. “Papa Doc” was born in Pasco, WA on January 22 1928 to Jesse F

and Bertha S Dixon. As a young boy his family returned home to Chatham County, North

Carolina where he spent his childhood on a farm with his parents and 3 siblings.

Highly impactful in John's early life were the 10 summers he spent in Yakima, WA, picking

cherries and learning the value of hard work, perseverance and travel. These traits became the

foundation for his education and beyond. In 1945, John graduated from Bonlee High School and

shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. A veteran of WWII, he served his

country with distinction and honor. He began his academic pursuit at Mars Hill College before

joining Wake Forest University’s Class of 1952. He graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in

1956, and then moved to Charlotte to begin his dental career. While building his practice from

the ground up, John met the love of his life, Martha Anne (Caldwell). The two were married in

1959 and just celebrated their 64th Anniversary in December.

John lived his life with the kind of integrity and dedication—to his wife, his family and his

work—that you just don’t see every day. He practiced dentistry from 1956 to 1999, always

known for his warmth, compassion and outstanding dental work. He regularly stayed late or saw

patients after hours and on weekends. Whenever they needed him, he was there.

When he wasn’t caring for patients at the dental office, John was hitting long drives on the

fairway. Though he never picked up a club until he was 30 years old, he quickly became a

scratch golfer, eventually playing in two British Amateurs. His golf group at Carmel CC

nicknamed him “True Grit” for his ability to come through in the clutch. John’s love of golf and

travel took him all over the world, from Scotland, to China, to Australia, but he always came

home to his other passion in life: his family. He and Martha Anne had 6 children, 13

grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. In all of them, he instilled a love of faith, family and

fun. The Dixon home was always a place of laughter, love, and hospitality. There was always an

extra place or two at the table or a place to sleep for a friend or acquaintance that may be in

need. He also instilled in his children a love of travel and exploring the world. He loved to visit

new places and discover new cultures — and passed that openness and passion for adventure

on to his family.

John was a long-time member at Carmel Baptist Church. He was active in and loved his many

years in the Wilburn DC class.

More than anything, John loved to laugh and tell a good story. He could always put people in a

good mood. Subsequently he was the kind of man everyone wanted to be around. And if he was

your friend, you had a faithful friend for life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert Dixon, and his sister, Beth

Dixon. He is survived by his loving wife Martha Anne. His brother, George Dixon of Overland

Park, KS. His son John Jr (Cindi) Dixon of Matthews, their children Shannon, Cat, Isabelle and

Daniel. Daughter Brenda (Richard) Seitz of Charlotte, their children Ashley (Ian) McGrath of

Charlotte, Lauren (Kurt) Grindstaff of Dripping Springs TX, Hailey Seitz of Charleston SC, and

Jake (Lindsey) Seitz of Bentonville, AR. Son Robert (Brenda) Dixon of Matthews and their

children Grant of Seattle WA, Chase, and Robin. Son David (Jennifer) Dixon of Matthews and

their children Abby and Amelia. Daughter Elizabeth (Don) Glander of Waxhaw. Daughter

Martha (Pete) Fisher of Atlanta. And great- grandchildren Caden McGrath, Eliza McGrath, Miles

McGrath, and Goldie Mae Grindstaff.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to John’s caregivers, Lauren Slack and Jennifer

Diaz, who consistently went above and beyond the call of duty. They’d also like to thank the staff

of Showmars at Providence Commons, who loved on their Dad and kept him fed and happy for

10+ years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following organizations:

First Tee of Greater Charlotte; Folds of Honor; or the NC Dental Society Foundation Missions of

Mercy.

A celebration of life will be held at Carmel Baptist Church (1145 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Matthews

28105) on Saturday, February 10th at 11am. A visitation with family will take place prior to the

ceremony at 10am.

The service will be livestreamed for those who would like to watch online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK9Wbjn_RcI