Randolph Dixon Sr.

OBITUARY RANDOLPH DIXON, SR. Korean War Veteran United States Army July 22, 1947 – July 21, 1953 On Saturday, May 25, 2024, Randolph Dixon, Sr, affectionately known as “Randy”, received his final orders and entered the heavenly gates. Randolph was born in the city of Chester on July 22, 1930. He was the fifth child born to Evelyn Wright Dixon and Ridgley Dixon. Randolph was educated in the Chester Public School system during the time of the Great Depression (1929 – 1939) when American families were struggling. With segregation still being a part of life in America, and families struggling to make ends meet, jobs for black youth in the city of Chester were hard to find. Randolph had a strong desire to help his family so, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was sworn into the United States Army on July 22, 1947, the day of his 17th birthday, In April 1948, after a 17 day segregated troop transport journey on the USS Robert Johnson, Randy arrived in Inchon, Korea as a member of the 24th Tactical Corps. The Battle of Incheon saw the landing of military troops in efforts to push back North Korean troops. After his tour in Korea, he completed the remainder of his army service at Japan Logistical Command in Tokyo, Japan. On July 21, 1953, Randolph Dixon was honorably discharged from the United States Army having obtained the rank of Corporal. He was extremely proud to have served his country during a time of war. Prior to his discharge, on New Year’s Eve in 1952, Randolph married the love of his life, Emily Ernestine Wright. Their 64 year union lasted until Emily’s death in November of 2017. Three children were born to this union, Michael Paul Dixon, Cyrise Lynnette Dixon, and Randolph “Yogi” Dixon, Jr. (deceased in 2010). Randolph worked hard to provide for his family, joining the Chester Police Department in 1965. Officer Dixon began as a patrolman, but quickly rose through the ranks, retiring as Detective Sergeant Dixon in 1980. Randolph took great pride in serving on the police force, but the Chester Police Department was even more meaningful when his daughter, Cyrise, joined. Detective Sergeant Randolph Dixon and Officer Cyrise Dixon served together from 1978 – 1980; the only father/daughter sworn officers in the history of the department. Randolph was very involved in his community and was a mentor to many young men and women who until this very day credit him with helping to positively turn their lives around. He had a big heart, and felt it was his duty to help anyone that he could. He cherished his beloved Chester and worked hard for her. He was all about community, fairness and justice. He was the founder of the Delaware County Black Police Association (no longer active). Randolph also worked as a truancy officer for the Chester Upland School District, retiring from that position after 10 years of service. But, since, retirement was not necessarily a term with which he was content, Randolph, returned to work for the city of Chester in the Mayor’s office, handling special constituent services. He reluctantly retired from that position in 2013. After his wife’s death in 2017, Randy’s daughter, Cyrise, invited him to reside with her. During that time, he joined the Christian Church of Chester. He loved his church family. He and Cyrise regularly worshiped there until his health would no longer permit him to attend in person. In May 2022, Randolph’s health began to fail. Cyrise devoted her life to her “Daddy”, ensuring that their home was full of love, laughter, and joy until his death. He leaves to mourn his loss but always to celebrate his life, son, Michael Dixon (Angela), devoted daughter Cyrise Dixon, “adopted daughter” Annette Pyatt, three very, very special “sons” Stanford Chambers, William Angelo Stinney (his nephew), and Johnny Walker; a devoted friend Van Buren Payne; his only surviving cousin Suzanne Woodard; five grandchildren: Dewitt A. Johnson (Tasha), Cyrise Dixon, Michael Dixon, Jr, Deja Dixon, and Donovan Dixon; nine great grandchildren. Sister-in-law Dorothy Stinney, Brother-in-law James Wilson. Beloved nieces: Brenda Womack, Darletta Freeman (Larry), Dina Strand (Lew), and Joi R. Wilson; loving nephews: Stacey J. Mobley (Joan), Lance Wright (Shelley), Larry Wright, Lerrill Wright (Nikki); a host of great-nieces and nephews, and his Christian Church of Chester family. MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD LATER IN JUNE

Randolph Dixon Sr.

July 22, 1930 - May 25, 2024