Dixie Levern Smith, 71, of Nashville, passed with peace and grace on January 22, 2018, with his children by his side. Predeceased by his loving wife, Judy, in 1999, he is survived by one sister, Ann Brantley of Nashville; one son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Alexa Smith of Hanford, CA; one daughter, Lisa Hester of Nashville; and two grandchildren, Alden and Ava Hester of Nashville.

Dixie was born in Lowndes County, Georgia. He graduated from Berrien High School in 1965 and Valdosta Technical Institute in 1968, earning an Associate's Degree in Diesel Mechanics. In 1968, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served three years, including a tour in Vietnam, where he was responsible for power generation at various U.S. Army bases in South Vietnam. He returned to his hometown in 1971 and began a 37-year career as an industrial mechanic and welder at Propex (Amoco Fabrics and Fibers) before marrying the love of his life the following year.

Dixie retired from Propex in 2008. He was a member of the Christian faith. His interests included gardening, small-scale farming, and enjoying nature. He loved forests and natural environments. Dixie cherished the simple things in life and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 29th at Lovein Funeral Home Chapel in Nashville with Bro. Ray Tapanes officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Lovein Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dixie may be given to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. https://www.michaeljfox.org/tribute/tribute-page.php?id=800&np=true