John "Sonny" Craig Dixon Jr.

'Sonny'

Mr. Dixon, 87, lifelong resident of the Steele Creek Community of Charlotte, NC, passed away, Saturday morning, November 19, 2011 at Carolinas Medical Center - Main.

Sonny, as he was affectionately known, was born November 5, 1924 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the only child of the late John Craig Dixon, Sr. and Eva Wilson. He played in baseball from 1941 to 1960 except for three years while he was serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Sonny played in the major leagues for 3 1/2 years with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees. He held The American League record for appearing in 54 games in 1954, was inducted into the American Legion Hall of fame in 1989, and was the 'Old Timer' of the year in Ringgold, GA at the Catoosa County Special Olympics.

After his retirement from baseball in 1960 he worked over 35 years at a convience store in the Steele Creek Community. He was a longtime member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Friends may call on the Dixon family Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon. A service to celebrate his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from the sanctuary of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Valarie Phillips, Associate Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his only daughter, Samantha-Lynn Laughlin and her husband, Robert of Charlotte, NC; he was 'Big Paw Paw' to a granddaughter, Melissa Laughlin and her husband, Brad Earman; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Mitch Earman; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Helen Liles; and various cousins and a special friend, Brandon Smith.

Memorials may be made to The Charlotte Humane Society, 2700 Tommey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212. Condolences may be sent to www.mcewenfs.com.