[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 172 (Thursday, October 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E996-E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID NIXON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2023

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to honor the life of 
David Nixon, who passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 64 after 
a courageous seven year battle with cancer.
  Growing up in Roanoke, David and I first crossed paths in high school 
when we were on opposite sides of a political battle. He went to 
Glenvar High School, and I went to Andrew Lewis High School. Throughout 
the political debate to name the new high school in Salem, David always 
presented his views in a calm, honest manner. I knew from that 
experience that I had met a man of honor.
  I often think of the Abraham Lincoln quote when thinking of David, 
``the best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.'' Instead 
of vilifying each other, we got to know each other and came to have 
deep respect for one another.
  It is remarkable to me how much our lives mirrored one another. After 
attending Roanoke College and Wake Forest University law school, he 
returned home to practice law, as I did to Salem after attending law 
school. He served as Chairman of the Roanoke City Republican Committee 
while I was Chairman of the Salem Republican Committee. I am thankful 
that he was a strong supporter of my many political campaigns over the 
years.
  During his life he was appointed Escheator by Governor Allen for 
Roanoke City, 1994, for 23rd Judicial District, 2001. He also served as 
Vice President of Legal Affairs, Blue Ridge Housing Development 
Corporation; Chairman, Roanoke City Fair Housing Board; and Member, 
Roanoke City Parks and Recreation Citizen Advisory Board.
  A devout member of New Century Church in Roanoke, Virginia, David 
served many years as a volunteer greeter. After being diagnosed with 
stage four cancer in 2016, David used his remaining years to grow 
closer to Christ, finding peace and joy in his diagnosis.
  David is survived by his son Kirk Nixon (Darlene Smith) and 
granddaughter Ella Nixon; daughter Jessica (Nick Blandy), grandchildren 
Finn and Declan Blandy; siblings, Carolyn ``Kack'' Lynch, John, and 
Debbie Nixon; twin sister, Denise ``Cee'' and Alan Campbell; as well as 
many nieces, nephews,

[[Page E997]]

great-nieces, and great-nephews; and, his many friends, some of whom 
David considered like family. I pray for all of his loved ones during 
this difficult time.
  David was a good Republican and a good Christian. He loved his family 
and friends deeply and lived his last days to the fullest, despite his 
diagnosis.
  I, and many others, will greatly miss him.

                          ____________________