Johnny Gene Nixon, born October 14, 1947, in Shelby, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, leaving a legacy of devotion, adventure, and kindness. The beloved son of Melvin Eugene Nixon and Mary Joy Ryans Nixon, Johnny lived a life marked by loyalty to his family, love for his country, and a passion for the outdoors.
Raised in Devil’s Pocket in Deweyville, Texas, Johnny attended Deweyville High School, where he developed the values that would guide him throughout his life. He became an avid motocross and supercross racer, a dedicated fisherman, and a skilled hunter, and spent countless hours enjoying these pastimes. His family’s camp house in Bon Wier was a special place where he found relaxation and a connection to nature. Johnny enjoyed travelling and journeyed across the country, and visited many places. On August 10, 1970, Johnny married Lancey “Pill” Peete, the love of his life, in Orange, Texas. Together, they shared a remarkable bond that withstood the test of time. Johnny proudly served in the U.S. Army, enlisting in the 1st Cavalry Division and answering the call to duty in Vietnam. His dedication to service extended beyond his active-duty years through his involvement in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2775, where he was a Gold Legacy Life Member and served as a two-year trustee, a role in which he offered unwavering support to his fellow veterans. After a distinguished career as a maintenance supervisor, Johnny retired from Lyondell where he was respected for his commitment and work ethic.
Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lancey “Pill” Peet Nixon; sister, Linda Nixon, and parents, Melvin and Mary Nixon.
Johnny is survived by his daughter; Ava Nixon and her husband Clayton Kilgore; grandsons, Mosiah Kilgore and Tallarico “Tyler” Kilgore; sisters and their husbands, Mary Jane and Morris Sanders, Brenda and Herb Stanley, and Sandra Whitten; niece, Ginger Hogden and her husband Cody; his best friend, Jose Dominguez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service honoring Johnny will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 15, 2024 at Dorman Funeral Home. Rite of committal and interment will immediately follow, at Bland Cemetery, Orange, Texas. Visitation of family and friends will be held, at Dorman Funeral Home, one our prior to services. Arrangements were made under the direction of Dorman Funeral Home.
Honoring Johnny as Pallbearers are Jeff Stanley, Jeremy Ashcroft, Ron Whitten, Jose Dominguez, Seth Watkins, and Mosiah Kilgore.
The Family would like to give special thanks to St. Elizabeth Hospital, Harbor Hospice Beaumont, and their staff.
Johnny will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose, loved deeply, and served honorably. His warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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