Charles James Dixon

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Charles (Chuck) Dixon left his earthly body and went to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is sorely missed by his family and friends. His infectious smile, stories of his life in aviation, and his adventurous spirit will live on and inspire the next generation.

Chuck was an aviator from early childhood and pursued that calling through Naval aviation. After serving two years of active duty during the Korean War, he used the GI Bill to earn his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Mississippi State College.

His career began in California at Douglas Aircraft designing Navy aircraft. The weekends and days off were devoted to enjoying an active lifestyle. He spent his time deep sea diving, running, mountain climbing, camping, and learning to fly. He and Mary adopted a son and daughter while living in California. During that time, Chuck earned his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering at USC.

An opportunity to work with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama moved the family back to the Southeast. Water skiing on the beautiful lakes in northern Alabama became a new passion. Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia offered him a job as a research scientist. For the next 25 years, he studied and tested vortex flow and how it could improve the flying characteristics of military aircraft.

Chuck’s desire to be an entrepreneur sent him back to college to study business administration at Georgia State University. His retirement from Lockheed in 1989 gave him the opportunity to decide the next steps in his life. He was inspired by the beauty and history of Kennesaw Mountain, and he frequently hiked to the top. Mary, his first wife, died in 1994. The void in his life led him to explore contracts with the Air Force. In 1996, he won a contract to create software that could predict vortex flow characteristics.

Charles liked to say he won two proposals in 1996. The first proposal was to Frieda, who he met ballroom dancing, and who agreed to become his wife.  The second was a phase two contract to further improve his software which led to the formation of the company, Consulting Aviation Services, Inc.

For the next 25 years, Chuck and associates developed the vortex flow concept and secured two patents to improve the flying qualities of commercial and military aircraft. The national Covid pandemic shut down the aircraft industry and CAS shut down as well.

During his busy life, Charles sought opportunities to share his Christian faith with everyone he met. One of his favorite verses is found in Ephesians 2: 8-10.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

He served as a Bible study teacher, deacon, finance chairman, and in many other capacities in several churches during his lifetime.

Along with Frieda, he authored a book – Chasing a Whirlwind – about his life and career in aviation.

He is preceded in death by his parents Chester and Irene Nance Dixon, his sister, Marion Simmons, and his grandson, Jesse Williams. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frieda Davis Dixon, his two children Darrell Dixon and Cheryl Dixon and her two children Stuart Davis (Ruth) and Michael Davis. Grandchildren: Cheyenne Williams, Dakota Williams, Marcella Clark (Brandon), Rose McQuitty (Gareth), Belle Davis, Riley Davis (Josie), and Alexa Maddox (Matt). Great Grandchildren: Sierra Williams, Niya Williams, Nevaeh Williams, JJ Williams, Addison Clark, Paige Clark, Charlie McQuitty, Walker Davis, Weston Davis, and Ledger Maddox.

A family burial service was held on September 25 at Southern Cremations & Funeral Home, in Marietta, Georgia. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for October 10, 2026, in the chapel of Kennesaw First Baptist Church with visitation at 1:00 pm followed by a service at 2:00 pm.  All are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse and the Salvation Army.