Paul "Butch" Harward Nixon Jr.

Paul “Butch” Harward Nixon, Jr. went to his heavenly home peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Butch was born in Griffin, GA on July 15, 1945, to the late Paul H. Nixon, Sr. and Catherine Ballard Nixon.

He moved from Griffin to Panama City, FL in 1957 but returned to Atlanta to live with his aunt and grandmother at the age of 17. He graduated Grady High School and went on to play football briefly at the University of Georgia. Butch worked in the Office of Materials and Research Chemical Lab for the Georgia Department of Transportation until he retired in 1998. He had a love for playing softball most of his adult life and it was during this time that he met his cherished wife, Margaret. He enjoyed spending time with her and their family. Butch and Margaret were married for almost 46 years. Together they were very active in their church. He ministered to many youth in various ways for many years while there. Butch had a big love for his family. His son Pete and daughter Shannon along with her husband and their daughters, Chelsea, and Katelyn, kept Butch busy.

He also had a love for people. Butch never met a stranger and was always there to help with the needs of others. From feeding the homeless in downtown Atlanta to catching monsters in laundry hampers for his granddaughters, he was there whether the need was big or small. Butch was known for paying for others drive thru bill or getting a hotel room for a family passing through. He wanted to share God’s love and care tangibly with others. He always said, “If you meet me and forget me, you’ve lost nothing; if you meet Jesus Christ and forget him, you’ve lost everything.”

Along with Butch’s intense love for people was his intense love of the University of Georgia football team. He loved watching them play, hearing the latest stats, or watching a previous game from 50 years ago. If it was anything Georgia Bulldogs, he wanted to know.

Butch will forever be remembered with love and laughter by his beloved wife, Margaret; daughter, Shannon Eagle (Robert) Locust Grove, GA; son Paul “Pete” Nixon, III McDonough, GA; granddaughters Chelsea and Katelyn Eagle, Locust Grove, GA and numerous other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you find a way to pay kindness forward. For whatever time you knew Butch, he was always doing for others. Please find a way to do something nice for others. Additionally, donations can be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes or First Baptist Church of McDonough Children’s and Youth Ministries.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church McDonough, GA 101 Macon Street on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11AM. The family will visit with family and friends at 10AM prior to the service.