[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 101 (Friday, June 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR.
                      THEODORE CHESTER DIXIE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2024

  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and legacy of a beloved educator, veteran, and community leader, Dr. 
Theodore Chester Dixie, Sr., who passed away on June 3, 2024, at the 
age of 82.
  Dr. Dixie was born on August 31, 1941, to the late Mary B. and Howard 
Edward Dixie, Sr. in Uniontown, Alabama. He attended Robert C. Hatch 
High School, where he made a name for himself as a member of the state 
championship-winning basketball team. Upon graduation, he attended 
Tuskegee University and was commissioned into the United States Army as 
a Second Lieutenant.
  During this period, Dr. Dixie met and married his life partner, the 
former Bettye Jeams Williams. As a student at Tuskegee University, Dr. 
Dixie courted Bettye with meals from the cafeteria where he worked. 
Their union produced two sons, Theodore Chester Dixie, Jr. and Timothy 
Carl Dixie (deceased).
  While serving in the military, Dr. Dixie earned his master's degree 
from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Following his 
discharge from the Army, he continued his educational journey at 
Pennsylvania State University, earning his Doctor of Philosophy.
  Dr. Dixie began his career in higher education at his alma mater, 
Alabama A&M University, as a professor and the Assistant Director of 
the Teacher Corps where he spearheaded the University's distant and 
remote learning initiatives.
  A passionate educator and trailblazer, Dr. Dixie poured into the 
students of Alabama A&M. He empowered his students to take hold of 
their futures through education and personal development. As an 
educator and retired Department Chairman, Dr. Dixie was known for his 
consideration of his students and his proud mentorship of countless 
individuals. Even after his departure from Alabama A&M and his 
subsequent transition to the Tennessee Valley Authority and U.S. Army 
Civilian Personnel Office, Dr. Dixie maintained a lifelong commitment 
to mentorship and improving his community.
  Having accepted Christ into his life at a young age, Dr. Dixie was a 
faithful member of Rock Chapel African Methodist-Episcopalian Church in 
Uniontown. A dedicated servant of God, he always led by example and 
encouraged the members of his community and congregation to live up to 
their full potential in Christ. In this pursuit, he served as a Trustee 
at Rock Chapel A.M.E. Church for its rebuilding in 1968, chaired the 
construction committee for the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in 
Huntsville, Alabama, where he was a devoted lifelong member serving as 
a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the Usher Board and the 
Presbyterian Men. Under Dr. Dixie's leadership, the Fellowship 
Presbyterian Church received an ``Earthcare Ministry'' certification, 
making it the only congregation to hold the title in the North Alabama 
Presbytery.
  Dr. Dixie is preceded in death by his parents, Mary B. and Howard 
Edward Dixie, Sr.; and his son, Timothy Carl Dixie. He is survived by 
his beloved wife of 60 years, Bettye Williams Dixie; his son, Theodore 
Chester, Jr. (Sabrina); his daughter, Natalie Theodora; his 
grandchildren, Kayla Nord and Keegan Dixie; his great-grandchild, 
Jonkel; his siblings, Luvern McDonald (Melvyn) and Jean (Nathaniel); 
and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
  On a personal note, Dr. Dixie was a pillar of the Huntsville 
community, a beloved educator and veteran who loved his family and was 
committed to his faith. His life was a testament to the power of 
education, service to community and love of country. I will forever be 
grateful for his love and support and for the kindness that he always 
showed me and my family. May we find comfort in knowing that he lived a 
full and blessed life, and that his legacy will live on in the lives he 
touched.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the exceptional life and legacy of 
Dr. Theodore Chester Dixie, Sr., and his lasting contributions to the 
City of Huntsville, the State of Alabama, and our Nation.

                          ____________________