Anthony G. “Tony” Dixon Sr. was born on January 25, 1955, in Akron, Ohio, to Fred Spear and Evelyn Dixon. He departed this life on September 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, faith, dedication, and cherished memories.

He was educated in the Akron Public Schools and graduated from North High School in 1974.

Following high school, Anthony proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. While stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, he served as a member of the 284th Military Police Company, carrying out both military police and tactical responsibilities with dedication, discipline, and excellence.

On February 16, 1978, Anthony received a Certificate of Commendation recognizing his outstanding contributions and meritorious service. His service also contributed to his unit’s recognition with the prestigious Brigadier General Jeremiah P. Holland Award. The commendation was issued by order of Brigadier General Theodore S. Kanamine, U.S. Army Europe Provost Marshal, honoring the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by Anthony and his fellow soldiers.

After faithfully serving his country, Anthony received an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on October 29, 1981.

Following his military service, Anthony continued a life characterized by hard work and service to others. He worked for the City of Akron for 40 years, serving in various capacities, including as a correctional officer at the City Jail and later with the Public Works Bureau, from which he ultimately retired.

Anthony was a member of The House of the Lord, where his faith became an important part of the foundation he established for his family. He made certain that his children were raised to know the Lord, giving them a spiritual foundation they could carry throughout their lives.

Affectionately known as Tony, he found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. He loved spending time fishing, whether relaxing on his boat or casting a line from a pier. He enjoyed watching sports and, perhaps most memorably, became the family’s unofficial “weatherman.” Tony faithfully kept his loved ones informed whenever a storm was approaching their city. No matter how near or far away they lived, a weather warning from Tony was one of the many ways he showed his love and concern for his family.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Spear and Evelyn Dixon; his siblings, Larry “Tunie” Spear, Darrell Spear, Shirla Greco, Gregory Spear, and Gerald Spear Sr.; and his nephew, Reginald Spear.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife together 21 years, and married 16 years Allison Machin; his siblings, Ricky Spear, Darnell Spear, Nunnie Williams, Shelia (David) Melton, Shearlene Spear, Karen Spear, and Kay Spear.

Anthony’s legacy will live on through his two children, Lalita Dixon and Anthony Dixon Jr. (Remetra); his grandchildren, Faith, Jeremiah (Sara), Jasmine, Jalen, and Skylar; and his great-grandchildren, Kaden, Henry, and Eric Anthony.

He also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Anthony G. “Tony” Dixon Sr. lived a life marked by faith and service—to God, his country, his city, and most importantly, his family. From protecting and serving in the United States Army, to dedicating decades of service to the City of Akron, to raising his children to know the Lord, to simply calling those he loved to tell them, “There’s a storm coming your way,” Tony spent his life looking out for those he loved.

The weatherman may have signed off, but his love will forever remain in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will be received Friday, September 18th from 9:30am to 10:30am at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will begin at 10:30am. Anthony will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on Monday, September 21st at 1:15pm. Anyone traveling with the funeral procession needs to arrive at the funeral home on Monday by 12:15pm.