Joe Mathis Dixon, 86, of Alapaha died Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at his residence

He was born December 14, 1938, in Berrien County to the late Carl Mathis Dixon and the late Aline Paulk Dixon. He was an agriculture business owner of Dixon Seed & Chemical Company for 40 years, and a pecan farmer. He was an active member of Alapaha Community Church where he taught Sunday School for years and loved telling others about Jesus. He loved sports and was an avid golfer.  He was known for his free-throw skills on the basketball court and was unmatched at ping-pong. He played baseball at South GA College and was a 2-sport athlete at Valdosta State College playing baseball and basketball. He was a hero and coach to his brothers and a respected community coach to hundreds of kids.

He loved his family and the people of Alapaha and Berrien County. He was a generous man and frequently played the role of mentor and advisor to so many people.  He was the former mayor of Alapaha from 1979-1983 and dedicated this time to improve the city in so many ways including securing grants to bring utilities to the entire town. He was involved in the Alapaha Station Celebration since its inception and has worked tirelessly every year to make this event successful.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Marian Hance Dixon who died in 2015; step-mother: Jean Dixon; grandson: Drew Dixon; nephew Bert Jones; sister: Mary Ellen Crisp.

He is survived by his wife: Barbara Griffin Rowe Dixon of Alapaha; daughter: Debra Dobbs of Jacksonville FL; 3 sons: Dr. Matt (Jenna) Dixon of Perry, John (Robin) Dixon of Alapaha and Joel (Genia) Dixon of Alapaha; When he married Barbara, he gained 3 children: Monica (Russ) Davis of Tifton, Melissa (Kris) Murphy of Chula and Robby (Keri) Rowe of Alapaha; 21 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister Joyce Tully of Colquitt; 3 brothers: Mark (Charlotte) Dixon of Dothan, AL, Steve (Rhonda) Dixon of Alapaha and Wayne (Michelle) Jones of Nashville; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11 AM at The Bridge Church with Rev. Robby Rowe and Rev. Nathan Barnes officiating. Interment will follow in Fletcher Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at The Bridge Church. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Alapaha Community Church Altar Fund.