Judge Kenneth Nix grew up in the Grove Park area of Atlanta and met his future wife of 50 years, Charlene, in their high school newspaper office where he was sports editor. He graduated from Emory University with a law degree in 1964, and the following year the family moved to Cobb County where he practiced general law.
Judge Nix was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1972 and served 10 years. He was then elected to the State Court of Cobb County, where he served until being appointed to the Superior Court of Cobb County in 1995. Judge Nix served in that position until his retirement in 2010.
Throughout his life, Judge Nix participated in sports. He played in high school and then attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., on a football and baseball scholarship. And as his five children grew up, he coached their numerous teams. For more than 40 years, he was a constant presence and influence in sports around the county.
Kenneth Owen Nix, 73, of Smyrna, died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer at Tranquility Hospice in Austell. His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. today at Marietta First United Methodist Church. Carmichael Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
His daughter Kim Chunn of Warner Robins said her father was extremely proud of his family. “In the last few weeks of his life, he would tell me how glad he was that our family was so close. Sibling rivalries just don’t exist for us.” The family took annual spring vacations to Callaway Gardens that cemented these tight family bonds.
Ken Nix Jr. of Kennesaw said his earliest memory of his dad was seeing him coach a youth football league. “Just watching him lead those boys made me want to go out there and play for him.” After he was grown, they would even coach some teams together. As friends came by this week to pay their respects, Ken said many reflected on times they railed against his dad on the ballfields, but then said he was the best man they ever knew. In the world of politics, Ken said his dad often had differences of opinion with other legislators but was able to work with them because he valued them as individuals.
His son Keith Nix of Richmond said he’s been overwhelmed by the number of men who respected his father. “He was the go-to guy in his community and he helped so many people by offering advice or support. My father was never about money or things; he just loved people.” Keith said his father always told him to chart his own course, make his own life and do what he loved.
In addition to his wife, sons and daughter, Judge Nix is survived by son Kevin Nix of Bremen, daughter KaKa Mixon of Birmingham, and13 grandchildren.
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