Royal E. Dixon Sr., 89, of Benton, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Alcoa Pines Nursing Facility in Benton. He was born January 3, 1936 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Lillie Mae Dixon and Henry (Bud) Dixon.  Royal was a member of Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for over 29 years where he loved working with the carpentry group.  He was also an usher for many years.  Royal served in the US Army and he worked for Union Pacific Railroad where he retired after 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Dale Dixon; father, Bud Dixon; mother, Lillie Mae Whitworth Dixon; brothers, Edward Dixon, William Dixon, Clyde Elgie Dixon, Joe Dixon; and sisters, Helen Smith and Mary Holcomb.

Royal is survived by one daughter, Marlena Smart (Ricky) of Benton; two sons, Eddie Dixon (Susan) of Austin, Texas and Randy Dixon (Tanya) of Arkadelphia; brother, Doyle Dixon (Thelma) of Texas; six grandchildren, Jennifer Reynolds (Justin) of Benton, Amber Crumby (Jesse) of Benton, Grant Dixon (Melissa) of San Antonio, Texas, Chad Dixon of Carrolton, Texas, Hayley Hughes (Jeremy) of Arkadelphia, and Jeffrey Dixon (Alexis) of Arkadelphia; seven great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Kent Crumby of Benton, Emory Reynolds of Benton, Sophia and Lily Dixon of San Antonio, Texas, and Catherine and Griffin Hughes of Arkadelphia; several nieces & nephews; and several close friends including Mike and Patsy Culp, Pat Stuckey, Dr. Richard and Gene Simmons, Jay Hansen, Terry Toney, Keith Gattis, and Donald Fulcher.  Close friends who have passed were Wayne and Melba Bishop whom they spent lots of time playing dominoes and cards together.

A special thanks to Pleasant Hills Senior Adult Services, Kristi Gwatney and special worker Becky Carter.  We would also like to extend a thank you to Turtle Creek Fire Department who had to make several calls to assist dad.  Finally, thank you to the staff of Alcoa Pines Nursing Facility, CARTI, and Pinnacle Wound Clinic.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 12 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Rosemont Cemetery.  Rev. Nick Calaway will be officiating.

Pallbearers include Jay Hansen, Keith Gattis, Donald Fulcher, Terry Toney, Dr. Mark Vice, and Pete Cotton.  Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Richard Simmons and Mike Culp.