Dixon Smith

Dixon John Smith, 81, of Dunnellon, FL, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully Monday, March 11, 2019, in Ocala, FL, surrounded by his family. Born July 16, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Harry and Jean (Hultgren) Smith. Married Marlene Meyers on September 9, 1961, in Rockford. Employed by Amerock Corporation for 38 years, retiring in 2000. Member of St. Bernadette and St. Bridget Catholic Churches. Dixon loved golfing, fishing, lawn bowling at the Moose Club. Avid Chicago Cub and Bears fan. Dixon enjoyed telling jokes and having a beer. Survivors include his wife, Marlene; children, Denise (Mark) VanVleck of Rockford, Vikki (Michael) Absher of Jacksonville, FL, and Scott (Christine) Smith of Greenbriar, TN; grandchildren, Erick, Kayla, Ashley, Rachel and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Tanner, Hayden, Kaylin, Olivia, Levi, Raelynn and Kingston; sisters, Joyce (Robert) Hillebrand and Joan Ellis; numerous nieces and nephews; and furry friend, Jaxee. Predeceased by his parents; and daughter, Andrea Smith. Special thanks to Legacy Hospice House in Ocala.

Memorial mass at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave., Rockford, IL, with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the church. Private inurnment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., of Loves Park, IL.