Billy Ray Dixon

BILLY RAY DIXON died peacefully in his home in North Little Rock on Sept. 14, 2016, at the age of 83. Billy is survived by Kathleen "Kathy" Dixon, his wife for 19 years; Jim Dixon, nephew, and his wife Ruby,; Bill Dixon, nephew, and his wife Diane; niece, Colleen Dixon Jenson; Kathy's mother, Louise Vitchner; Kathy's sister, Barbara Donas; Kathy's daughter, Kimberly Wells, who Bill loved as if she were his own, and her husband Steve Wells; Kathy's granddaughter, Amanda Green and family; Kathy's grandson, Joshua Ferris and many other relatives, Everett Lee, Dr. Kate Dahlmann, Charles Dahlmann, Danny Hooper, Beatrice Hooper, Brandon Jenson and Edward Lee Michau. Billy was born on Oct. 27, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of James Dixon and Pearl Walker Dixon. Billy joined the Army National Guard at age 14. He was later drafted into the Korean Conflict in 1952 and served the nation he loved for over 23 years in total, achieving the high rank of Master Sergeant. Billy always enjoyed music and was blessed with enormous talent… in fact, world class talent playing the guitar and singing. He was well known for his appearances on KTHV Channel 11 in Little Rock on the station's highest rated local show, the Tommy Trent Show at noon each Saturday, and then also on Saturday Evenings at the Fun Barn where he backed a host of Country Music Legends in their appearances. Radio was also a showcase of the talents Billy possessed, as the full and rich tone of his voice was familiar to thousands of listeners of KDXE and then later on KXLR radio stations during the 70's and 80's when radio was still the ultimate media form for music. Billy was also well known in the Nashville Music scene where his dedicated and constant participation in the D.J.'s Convention kept him in close contact with all of the biggest names in the Country Music industry. Another proud accomplishment for Billy was being named "MR. DJ" for the year 1984. Those who were fortunate enough to know Billy personally will tell you that as much as any other talent possessed by this man, he was also an unparalleled "wizard of wit" and the one-liners were constantly bringing smiles and laughter to those around him who could not help but enjoy his company. Services are to be held at Smith–North Little Rock Funeral Home at 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, Ark. 72114. Visitation from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19, and funeral at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20. Burial with military honors will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery. =Pallbearers include: Bill Dixon (nephew), Terry Trent, Stan Pruss, Jim B. Dixon (nephew), Joshua Ferris and Lee Howell. For those who are so inclined, the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, any contributions you could make on his behalf to the Arkansas Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Messages can be sent by email to: billyd01@sbcglobal.net. Visit the online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.