Robert L. "Bob" Dixon Sr., 82, APS educator
Bob Dixon Sr. arrived at Morehouse College in 1946 to study medicine and become a doctor, but the college president, Benjamin E. Mays, changed his mind.
He became Dr. Dixon, just not a physician. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry and biology, and a master's and Ph.D in education. The educator spent more than 40 years in Atlanta Public Schools as a teacher, principal, program administrator and consultant. His reach extended into the community, too.
In 1987, 100 Black Men of Atlanta launched "Project Success," a mentoring program that paired underprivileged boys with black professionals. The inaugural program was placed at Atlanta's Archer High School for two purposes: its location and its principal.
"The first class we graduated was in 1991 and [Dr. Dixon's] involvement was critical," said Dr. Sonny Walker, a former president of 100 Black Men. "We chose Archer because of his interest in, and commitment to, the success of the program. He was definitely in the trenches, and he didn't limit his activities to just school-based organizations."
On Thursday, Dr. Robert L. "Bob" Dixon Sr. died of natural causes at his son's home in Jonesboro. He was 82. A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Radcliffe Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Murray Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Shortly after he arrived at Morehouse, Dr. Dixon called his mother in Bishopville, S.C. The course load proved too taxing, he said sobbing, and he wanted to come home. She wouldn't hear of it.
"He would tell us that story often," said Benita Cheryl Eke, the eldest daughter. "He eventually became influenced by Dr. Mays, who had a profound impact on him. He would quote him often."
Dr. Dixon opened two Atlanta middle schools, Austin T. Walden and Martin Luther King, Jr. He was Archer High's principal for seven years. At the latter school, the Project Success program provided mentors for boys from the time they were freshmen to college graduates.
When he retired from Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Dixon became a professor of educational leadership at Clark Atlanta University. An award-winning educator, he served as a board member for numerous organizations, including the Butler Street YMCA.
"No matter who the child was, a relative, close friend or someone he was mentoring, he had high expectations," said Angelita Dixon Worthy, a daughter from Stockbridge. "He was the epitome of what I aspire to be for my kids."
Additional survivors include his wife of 55 years, Pauline Dixon, Jonesboro; a daughter Makeba Dixon Hill, Chicago; son Robert L. Dixon Jr., Dallas; son Julius Dixon Sr., Jonesboro; son William F. Dixon, Tucson, Ariz; sister Bettye Dixon Lynn, Atlanta; sister Katie L. Furman, Washington; brother Richard Dixon, Westminster, Md.; brother Leroy Dixon of Bishopville, S.C., and 15 grandchildren.
