Richard E. Dix

MAGNOLIA - Richard E. Dix, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, in the Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital. He was born in Kansas City, to the late Robert J. and Katherine Dix. Mr. Dix dutifully served his country in the United States Navy. He came to Delaware when stationed at Cape Henlopen in the 1960s. In the service, he was a sonar specialist and served aboard the U.S.S. Earl B. Hall, U.S.S. Hank, and U.S.S. Ross. For many years, Mr. Dix worked as an electronic and appliance repairman for Sears and Fishers of Milford. In 1975, Richard's passions came into their own when he opened his Richard Dix Sign Company. His near-legendary career saw him hand-stripe at early NASCAR events, and caused his name to spread throughout the industry. He started in downtown Milford for seven years before moving on to the familiar Bay Highway location for the last 26. He was one of the last remaining custom pin-stripers. In his spare time, Mr. Dix further enjoyed cars. A street and stockcar racer in his younger days, later he was an avid Jeff Gordon fan and enjoyed collecting NASCAR memorabilia. He also enjoyed watching the Barrett-Jackson car auctions and loved shooting the breeze with customers and friends about their always interesting vehicles. Mr. Dix had many ties to Lake Forest High School and helped many students through the school co-op program in his sign shop. Growing up, his family had very little. His early experiences made him the man he became. His quirky, fun-loving personality, ranging from ridiculously routine to jovial unpredictability, will be remembered by the thousands of lives he touched. He was very particular, believed everything had its place, and his word was his bond. Mr. Dix was a member and past president of the Delaware Corvette Association and the Delaware Community Appreciation Group, where he was very active with fundraisers for the soldiers at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard E. Dix Jr.; and a sister, Christina Williams. Survivors include his loving wife, Dr. Betty A. Wyatt-Dix, of Magnolia; daughters and sons-in-law, Katherine and Ron McCoy, of Frederica, and Carrie and Izzy Mabrey, of Hampstead, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Kristopher and Joey Price, of Boston, Mass.; grandchildren, Faith (age16), Alex(age12), and Ryan(age10) McCoy, and Cora(age6), and Gracie(age3) Mabrey; and his constant companions, Butterscotch and Billy Bob. Funeral Services will be 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, with a visitation two hours prior to the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard E. Dix Scholarship for a Lake Forest High School graduating student majoring in Graphic Arts. Send to Karen P. Crouse, LFHS, 5407 Killens Pond Road, Felton, DE 19943; or to the Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.