DIXON, Arthur Thomas (Art)

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Arthur Dixon October 30, 1929 - December 22, 2013 Arthur Thomas Dixon was born to Melinda Viola Martin Dixon and Arthur Thomas Dixon Sr. in Hickory Ridge Arkansas October 30, 1929. He was raised in Beedeville, Arkansas as the eldest of 6 children. He worked on the family cotton, rice, and soybean fields until convincing his parents to sign papers for him to join the United States Army during WWII at the young age of 16. He was sent to basic training for a short four weeks at Ft. Ord California, while there he received the expert rifleman badge. Art deployed early in 1945 and proudly joined the fight for our country in Okinawa, Japan. Art was given an honorable discharge in 1948. After his service in the Army, Art moved to Clifton, Arizona in 1949 gaining employment with the Phelps Dodge Mining Company. In Morenci, he met the love of his life of 61 years, Arvabelle Cosby. They married in El Paso, Texas in November of 1952 and settled in the town of Morenci, Arizona where they raised their two children; Art and Rebecca ‘Jewely’ Dixon. In Morenci, Arthur worked as a Welder/Boilermaker for Phelps Dodge for many years, and took an official hiatus from Phelps Dodge for civil duty. He obtained further education in law and forestry and worked for the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy for over a decade. Arthur went back to Phelps Dodge Morenci as a Security guard until retirement; then moved to Safford where he resided until his passing. Art loved and devoted his life to God and his family. He was a talented songwriter, story teller and musician. He could often be found sipping coffee and playing the guitar, fiddle or banjo, tapping his foot and humming a tune. Art loved being outdoors; fishing, riding four-wheelers, family picnics, visiting with friends and neighbors and working on projects in his shop or with his brother Charlie. He had an affinity for John Deere tractors and ‘Model A’ Ford cars, and loved to wheel and deal for anything that had an engine. The greatest of all of his hobbies was metal detecting, and he loved to explore for treasure with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Arthur is survived by: his wife, Arvabelle Dixon, of Safford; a son, Art Dixon of Thatcher; along with seven grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. On December 22, 2013, he went to be with his Lord and Savior. Art was lovingly greeted and embraced at Heaven’s door by his daughter Jewely, grandson Chad, and many other dearly loved ones. ‘Papa’ had so much love for all of his family, and was always around anytime he was needed. His stories, jokes, smile, and charming bright blue eyes, will be dearly missed. He has left a legacy that will never fade. A Celebration in Honor of Art’s Life will be conducted in January, notification will be sent to family and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Arthur Dixon please visit our Sympathy Store.