Thomas Dixon's Obituary
A trailblazer and ‘The Leader’, Thomas (Tom) Dixon, passed away peacefully at 92, on April 26, 2023, at his residence, with his family by his side.
Tom was born on March 28, 1931 in Sparta, Georgia. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. James Henry Dixon and Hattie Bryant Dixon, two sisters, Elizabeth Dixon Walker and Ruthye Dixon Kendrick, and twin brothers, James Henry Dixon and Gordon Dixon and daughter, Tina Dixon. He leaves to mourn his passing the following: his wife, Sylvia, his son, Whitney, mother-in-law Gladys Wells (102 years young!), brother-in-law Phillip Wells (Rita), sisters-in-law Kathleen Wells (Michael Schmid) and Linda Jones (James) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him.
Tom was a man of God and took his faith seriously. He attended Shiloh’s early morning services, on a regular basis, until his health failed and he continued through Zoom. He joined Shiloh Baptist Church over 40+ years ago under the pastorship of Reverend Dr. Earnest S. Brazill.
Love at first sight! In 1971, Tom was assisting Harold Moss with his campaign for the Tacoma City Council. When Sylvia walked in with a friend, there was mutual attraction. Tom immediately introduced himself and placed her in a chair where he watched her until the event ended. Afterwards, they dated and were married a year later. From this union, they had two children: Whitney and Tina. In 2022, they celebrated 50 years of marriage, also known as the Golden Anniversary!
Tom took great pride in his 13-year military career. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and left in 1964 with a medical discharge.
Tom loved people, and the community, which was reflected in his degrees – Sociology and Economics from Sophia University in Tokyo and a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Puget Sound (UPS). He also received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from UPS in 1988.
These studies enabled him to acquire positions in the community such as the first director of the Hilltop Multi-service Center, the Office of Economic Opportunity (helping to establish multi-service centers throughout Washington based upon the Hilltop model). In 1968, Tom became the Executive Director of the Tacoma Urban League serving as its leader for 32 years. Under his tenure, the Urban League helped developed generations of Tacoma’s civil servants.
Tom received the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize (2015) for his leadership in the civil rights movement and traveled to Norway to receive this honor.
Tom was passionate about two special organizations: He was co-founder of the Black Collective (1969), along with others, which has mentored generations of Black civic leaders for 50+ years. He was also co-founder of the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award (1995), which celebrates and incentivize academic progress, community service and good citizenship. Youth in 9th – 11th grades, who meet award criteria, are eligible for a $350 incentive award.
He was also a member of many community and civic organizations: Life member, Tacoma Branch NAACP, Charter member/organizer, The Black Collective, Trustee, Evergreen State College, Tacoma Public Schools’ Citizens Committee for School Support & Treasurer, The Governor’s Affirmative Action Policy Committee, Member of Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board, Tacoma-Pierce County Private Industry Council, Port of Tacoma Minority/Women’s Business Enterprise Advisory Committee, Washington State Black Coalition, Co-Chair, Tacoma City Association of Colored Women’s Club Building Renovation Project, Regional Vice President, Association of Executives, National Urban League and Original Board Member, American Leadership Forum.
Please join us as we celebrate the life of a Trailblazer, The Leader and Hero:
Monday, May 8, 2023 @ 11a.m.
Shiloh Baptist Church
1211 South I Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
Repast:
E.S. Brazill Multipurpose Center
The Burial will be private.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?