Roy Davis Dixon, Jr. "Papa D"

Roy Davis Dixon, Jr., lovingly known as “Papa D,” passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026.

Davis was born to Roy and Beatrice Dixon on July 29, 1941, in Forsyth County. He graduated from Bethany High School and began his working career at Sears Roebuck’s large mail-order plant on Lawndale in Greensboro. He dedicated 35 years to Sears until the plant closed. Afterward, Davis worked for several different companies as he searched for the right fit. Eventually, he received a call from a former Sears Roebuck colleague who invited him to join Pace Communications. Pace quickly became like a second home to Davis, and he remained there until his retirement. At his surprise retirement party, Davis shared words that captured the spirit of how he lived his life: “You should laugh every day.” And that is exactly what he did. Davis had a way of bringing laughter and joy to the people around him, and his sense of humor, warmth, and love for his family will be deeply missed.

Davis was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Beatrice Dixon; his first wife, Garlene Everette Dixon; and his second wife, Betty Harmon-Dixon.

He is survived by his two daughters, Rena Walker (Ken) and Stephanie Truell (Tom); three grandchildren, Mahon Taylor (Chris), Clint Walker (Alyson), and Kasey Helms (Tyler); and six great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his two brothers, Jerry Dixon (Pat) and Steve Dixon (Marie). Also surviving are his two stepdaughters, Gina Stephens (Keith) and Jan Denny (Wayne); five step-grandchildren, Andrew Stephens, Erin Phillips (Jack), Jared Stephens (Sydney), Caroline Denny, and Landon Denny; and five step-great-grandchildren.

Davis will be remembered as a loving father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His laughter, generous spirit, and ability to find joy in everyday life will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Glencoe United Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Davis’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

The family extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses at Claire Bridge at Brookdale Reidsville for the extraordinary love, compassion, and care they showed Davis. Their kindness, patience, and dedication meant so much to Davis and his family, bringing comfort and peace during his time in their care. The family will always be profoundly grateful for the love they gave Davis and the special way they cared for him.