Melvin “Mel” Thomas Dixon, Jr. of Slocomb passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. He was 68 years old.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama with David Glover officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service time.
Mr. Dixon was born November 3, 1957 to the late Melvin Thomas, Sr and Anne Sutcliffe Hummel Dixon in Virginia.
Melvin “Mel” Dixon proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4). As an Army Aviator, he served honorably during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His distinguished military career earned him numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and several campaign and service medals recognizing his courageous and faithful service.
While he was deeply honored to serve his country, those who knew him best knew that his greatest calling was loving his family. Mel was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Army veteran, and faithful friend. He was known for his gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. To those who knew him, he was a man of integrity whose life reflected humility, faithfulness, and selfless love. His greatest joy was caring for those he loved, and his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his compassion, wisdom, and steadfast character.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He leaves behind a loving family including his wife of 16 years, Rhonda Carlson Dixon; children: Julie Dixon, David Dixon, Krista Humble (Kyle), Luke Barber (Kendall), Kayla Phelps (Bradley), Kimberly Barber, Laura Phelps (Steven), Amy Barber, Laike Barber (Jamie); Grandchildren: Tyler, Keira, Emily, Aubrey, Jackson, Juliana, Paisley, Hudson, Lilah, Princeton, Macie, Bonnie, Lillian, Isaac; sisters: Beth Dixon (Andy), Suzanne Grady (Aaron) and numerous other extended family and friends.
This morning the Dothan PD SRT team, Investigators, Patrol and K-9 units conducted dual search warrants in Dothan related to a murder investigation.At least one person was taken into custody.Developing story, will update later this morning.Chief Benny and Major Glover were out with their officers using every resource availible to combat violent crime in Dothan.
Be On the Look Out for a white, extended cab, 2012 Nissan Frontier, Alabama tag: 34A08WW, occupied by 85 year old white male Phil Goodson. He was last seen about 10:30 am, possibly driving to Enterprise, Alabama from Geneva. If seen, please call 911 and report it immediately.
HOUSTON COUNTY: 10:02 AM. Houston County 911 dispatched Columbia Fire – Rescue, Columbia Police, Ashford Rescue, Houston County Sheriff Deputies, Gordon Police and ALEA – Troopers to reports of a motor vehicle accident, Highway 95 South of Columbia at the entrance to Omussee Creek Road. At the time of dispatch it was reported possible deceased.
On arrival units downgraded the responding fire and EMS units. ALEA – Troopers and Houston County Sheriff Criminal Investigators responded.
On arrival law enforcement officers found the vehicle door open and the deceased laying at the back tire.
From RSN understanding, after this investigation took place, this was not a traffic accident and ruled a tragic death. The particular circumstances are unknown but no foul play suspected at all.
Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd has been dispatched to the scene.
