Denean W. Dixon

Our hearts are heavy to announce that DeNean W. Dixon, a loving husband, father and “Grandy” passed away on August 14th, 2026, at the age of 85, but we are joyful to know that he is now in the presence of his Savior.

DeNean “Deno” was a native of Appling County, born on October 5, 1940, and lived there his entire life. He always cared deeply and provided for his family and always had a kind word and help to give to all who crossed his path. Quite often, he knew what you needed before you knew you needed it and went ahead and took care of it for you. He was always thinking of people with love and care.

He never met a stranger, but if you were one, you felt like you were an old friend in about five minutes and walked away feeling a little better about life. He often shared his faith because he wanted others to know of the Hope he had in Jesus Christ so they, too, could come to a saving knowledge of Him.

He graduated from Appling County High School in 1958 and later earned a degree from Southern Tech Institute near Chamblee, Georgia, in 1961.

After college, he began his career as a Civil Engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation in several positions and retired after 32 years. He was also a licensed Land Surveyor and Appraiser; practicing primarily in Appling and surrounding counties. He also had various business ventures throughout his life.

DeNean was a member of Baxley First Baptist Church since childhood. In later years, he joined Harvest Chapel Church and attended Hopewell United Methodist Church and Red Oak Baptist Church of Baxley. He was a Christian with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

DeNean enjoyed golf, fishing, working on his beloved family land, spending time with family, watching the Georgia Bulldogs, working crossword puzzles, and researching and “traveling” the world on the internet.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emory D. Dixon, Sr. and Myrtle Campbell Dixon; his sister DeAnna Dixon Morris, his son-in-law Robert J. “Bob” Pegram, his brother Emory D. Dixon Jr.; and Beverly Dixon.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving wife, Linda Rozar Dixon, of Baxley; two daughters, Lynne Dixon of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Leslie Dixon Yirka and her husband, Scott Yirka, of Fleming Island, Florida; three grandchildren, Tanner Yirka (Victoria), Graham Yirka (Karoline) and Sarah Anne Johnson (Grant); and five great-grandchildren, Georgia, Lenora, and Joyce Yirka, Charlotte Yirka and Gilbert Johnson. He also welcomed Linda’s grandsons into his life, whom he loved as his own, Shawn Armstrong (Sarah) and Bradley Armstrong (Maddie).

He is also survived by one brother, Donald C. Dixon, of Baxley; and his sister, Sara Dale (Dixon) Sellers of Surrency, Georgia.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Baxley on August 29 at 11:00 AM, with visitation at 10:00 AM. Scott Yirka will officiate.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.