Charles Melvin “Charlie” Hixon, 62, of Rossville, died on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at a local hospice center.
He was born in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., to the late Fred Douglas Hixon, Sr. and Pauline “Cricket” Higdon Hixon of Chattanooga. Charlie was a 1968 graduate of Gordon Lee Memorial High School in Chickamauga, where he participated in both track and football. He was a member of the 1967 State football championship team.
He received his BA degree from UTC in U.S. History and was an active member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After completing his degree he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. Charlie served as a platoon leader and Company Commander in the Air Defense Artillery Division. He also completed Ranger training while serving his country and proudly displayed the skills and attributes of a U.S. Army Ranger. He loved his country and was proud to be an American. Upon leaving active duty he was promoted to the rank of Captain.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Charlie returned to Gordon Lee High where he taught U.S. History and coached football and track for 21 years. He also served as head football coach and athletic director.
In 1997 Charlie was named Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Chattanooga where he also supervised staff in Cleveland, Tn., Dayton, Tn., Dalton, Ga., Calhoun, Ga., and Huntsville, Ala.
Charlie was known for his knowledge of the Civil War and his love for animals. He was also a great story teller relating tales of growing up on the beach. He enjoyed telling humorous stories about experiences with his friends, coaching, army adventures, and his relationship with his son, Sam.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Fred D. “Jeep” Hixon, Jr. of Columbus, Oh.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Vikki Ford Hixon of Rossville; son, Samuel Joseph “Sam” Hixon of Chattanooga; daughter-in-law, Cissie Teppenpaw Hixon of Chattanooga; first grandchild-to-be, Hailey Elizabeth Hixon (due in July); and two nieces.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37419.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the South Crest Chapel with Kevin Ford, Mike Ford, Chris Mullis, Greg Ellis, Gary Miller, and Milford Morgan serving as pallbearers.
Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the VVA Chapter 203.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 7, from 4-8 p.m., and Tuesday, from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, located at the end historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.