Mitchell "Ray" Nixon

Mitchell “Ray” Nixon, age 79, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Fancy Gap, Virginia.

Ray was born on April 10, 1946 in Molly, North Carolina to the late Roy Arthur Nixon and Lela Watson Nixon. He spent the first part of his life growing up in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, before later residing in Yadkinville, North Carolina and later Fayetteville, North Carolina where he raised his family. After retirement, Ray returned to the peace and serenity of the mountains he loved in Fancy Gap, Virginia, a place that brought him great joy and allowed him to be closer to his family during those years.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Caroline Jolly Nixon; his son, Nathan Alexander Nixon; and his daughters, Brandy Nixon (Todd) Pletcher and Amanda Rae Nixon. He was a proud grandfather to Nicholas, Shae, Liam, Keegan, Brooke, Brady, and Emily, and a cherished great-grandfather to Nova, Adalyn, Maddox, Isabella, and William.

He is also survived by his siblings, Russell Nixon and Holly Wright as well as many cousins, close friends, and other beloved family members. He is preceded in death by his sisters Helen Beck and Hazel Brown.

Ray was deeply passionate about his family and friends. Nothing brought him greater happiness than time spent with those he loved. He was known for his quick wit, love of laughter, and playful sense of humor. Those who met him genuinely loved being around him. His presence brought joy, stories, and smiles wherever he went.

He had a lifelong love of baseball beginning with his own remarkable athletic career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pembroke State University where he played baseball, still holds school records, and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame, an accomplishment of which he was immensely proud.

He worked faithfully for 33 years at Goodyear Tire Company in Fayetteville, North Carolina before retiring. Ray also enjoyed golf, cheering on his beloved North Carolina Tarheels and was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins. A devoted dog lover, he shared his life with many dogs over the years and is survived by his cherished companion, Rosie. Ray will be remembered for his warmth, humor, loyalty and the genuine love he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, January 10th, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service at 5108 US 601 Hwy, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Twin County Humane Society, P.O. Box 125, Hillsville, Virginia 24343, or online at https://www.twincountyhumanesociety.org/donate/.