Richard Elmer Dixon Sr.

Richard E. “Dick” Dixon, Sr. was born in Sacramento, California in 1932. He came to Virginia when he was 11 years old. He graduated from Duke University, where he was captain of the cross-country team, member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and the Semper Fidelis Society. He served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry and reconnaissance training officer with the 1st Marine Division.

Richard graduated from the University of Virginia law school and joined a law firm in Arlington, where he became president of the Arlington Jaycees. He received the Jaycees state project award for his campaign to adopt a statute mandating testing every child for PKU. He was Arlington County’s “Man of the Year” for his campaign to build the Sheltered Occupational Center. He became an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Fairfax and then started his own firm where he practiced for 50 years. Richard was a founding member of the Construction Law and Public Contracts section of the Virginia State Bar, serving as its first chairman.

Richard authored “The Virginia Presidents: A Travel and History Guide.” A Jefferson scholar, he co-founded the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society. He remained an avid runner, scuba diver and world traveler with Trudy, his loving wife of 61 years. He was also a trustee for the Clifton Baptist Church.

Richard is survived by his wife, Trudy; sons, Richard, Jr. (Kianush) and David (Doris); daughters, Beth (Harley) and Rebecca (Bradley); as well as nine grandchildren, Richard III, Dorin, Alden, Ellen, Kelli, Samuel, Bradley, Paul, and Victoria. Funeral services will be private with interment at Quantico National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy should be by donation to the Semper Fi Fund.