Charles W. Dixon

Charles W. Dixon, 79, of New Bern, passed away June 22, 2023. He was born in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina on June 29, 1943 to the late Charles E. and Lessie (Bennett) Dixon.

Charles entered the United States Marine Corps on August 8, 1960 while living in Akron, Ohio. Charles served three tours of duty fighting in the Vietnam Wars. His career as a Marine took him around the world during his military service.

He received the Navy Commendation Medal:  "For heroic achievement while serving as a Naval Gunfire Spotter with Headquarters Battery, Twelfth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.  On 28 August 1967, Sergeant Dixon was deployed with his Naval Gunfire Team at the Gio Linh Outpost when the area came under enemy artillery fire.  One of the artillery rounds impacted near his team's position, wounding Sergeant Dixon and several of his men.  Ignoring his painful wound and despite the enemy fire, he assisted in moving his injured comrades to positions of relative safety and steadfastly refused medical treatment until ALL other casualties had been treated. Subsequently, when a vehicle arrived to move the wounded to a medical facility, he submitted to medical evacuation only after all his men had been placed aboard the vehicle.  By his resolute determination, sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Dixon was an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

He also received the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for Heroic Achievement in Vietnam, along with several other awards of Meritorious service in Vietnam. His men had the greatest respect for Charles because he was a true leader.  Semper Fi!

He loved his wife and family. He loved this country and lived a quiet peaceful life. He enjoyed gardening and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren immensely. Charles was preceded in death by his eight siblings (Love, Burney, Lota, Garwood, Horace, Earline, Jackie, and McPhail).

Graveside services and burial with Marine Corps military honors will be at Sandhill Cemetery located in Reelsboro, NC. Service begins at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Survivors include his wife, LaMar Lord; daughter, Suzy Dixon Bennett, (Wes), daughter, Alexandra Dixon, daughter, Kassandra Dixon, son, Antonio Dixon. Grandchildren, W. Ryan Bennett, Brendon D. Bennett (Stephanie), Heagan Dixon, Xavier Dixon, Avery Dixon, the late Trenton Spence, Will Spence, Ashton Dixon, Savannah Dixon, Great Grandson's, Jaxson Bennett, and Parker Bennett; many nieces and nephews.