Dixon D. Adams, of Pensacola, was born on the family farm/horse ranch in Gillette Grove, Iowa, on Dec. 16, 1925. He was the first child of William Merle Adams and Lena Verbena Pooler Adams. When he died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, he had lived a full, happy, accomplished life of 91 years.
Dixon entered school at age 4 (his mother wanted him out of her hair) and graduated at age 15 with 15 classmates. Since it was such a small school, every student took every class. Thus, Dixon learned both typing and shorthand, as well as the venerable three R’s. He also read every book in town, starting with those in the school library and moving on, house by house, to read each family’s books plus all publications stored in their attics.
At age 20, in 1945, Dixon rode the “Empire Builder” train from rural northwest Clay County, Iowa, to the big city of Chicago (population 3.5 million), having neither friend, job nor housing awaiting him. Starting as a mailroom clerk at Container Corporation of America, Dixon soon used his high school typing and shorthand to qualify for the position of secretary for one of the company lawyers. His skill in bargaining and in people management was soon recognized, and he began negotiating contracts with the various company paper mills. Dixon’s endless energy, curiosity, quick mind and charm served him well during a 40-year career with Container, which culminated with his retirement as an international vice president in 1985.
A second life began when he met and married Bett, who was publisher of the Fernandina Beach News-Leader. In 1990, they moved to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, a 500-year-old colonial jewel located on the old silver trail of the Spanish conquistadors. Their home for the next 22 years, San Miguel was considered a national treasure: colonial architecture, cobbled streets, art and culture, and a warm local population. As he had in Florida, Dixon became an active community member and volunteer, working with many local charities, from the Humane Society to a school lunch program providing 3,000 lunches a day to rural one-room schools. Known for his photography skills, Dixon was always available to shoot and develop photos in those pre-digital camera days: whether traditional parades, religious processionals, fundraisers of any type, winners at the croquet green, musical performances, art openings or prison projects, Dixon was there.
With an engaging smile on his handsome face, Dixon was easily loved by many, and he loved them back. He always highlighted the accomplishments of others: of his business associates, of Bett and of his family members. He was “the boss,” but he showed a gentle spirit and a positive attitude. He was proud of having attended Loyola University in Chicago; of having served on several paper industry boards; and of having been recognized by his co-workers as a skilled and effective negotiator.
Dixon was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Merle “Tate” Adams; and his daughter, Robin Marie Adams Scott (Keith).
Dixon is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Bett Yates Adams and her extended family; his son, John Dixon Adams (Melissa) and grandchildren, Courtney Elizabeth, Carson Keogh and Caroline Grace of Richmond, Ill.; and his stepson, Christian Marcos Perez (Megan Cytron) and grandson, Oscar Marcos Perez-Cytron of Madrid, Spain. He is also survived by his sister, Nyra Gaye Brown (Cal) of Watertown, S.D., and her children and grandchildren.
Dixon enjoyed the lifelong love and friendship of many relatives, business associates, friends and neighbors. He and Bett returned to their Pensacola home in 2010 and found many new friends in the “What a Good Dog!” training class to which they took their Rottweilers, Blue and Ocho.
Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with a memorial service beginning at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 11553, Pensacola, FL 32524; or Amazing Grace Bully Rescue, 4877 Cerny Road, Pensacola, FL 32526; or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be shared at harpermorrismemorialchapel.com
“And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, Pensacola