Henry Gray Dixon

Rancho Palos Verdes- Henry Gray Dixon, 96, passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018 at home in The Canterbury in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his wife of 76 years, Denise (Evans) Dixon: his son, Stephen Evans Dixon; his daughter, Kathleen Anne (Dixon) Huntsberger; his brother, Richard Tempus Dixon; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a large and exceptionally close extended family.

Born and raised in California, the son of Henry Richard Dixon and Constance (Gray) Dixon, he was a long time resident of Long Beach, CA and of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Henry graduated with honors from Wilson High School in Long Beach, where he met his wife, Denise. There were married in 1941, Stephen was born in 1942, and Kathleen in 1949.

In 1943, Henry was called to active duty during the height of WWII. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on December 28,1944 and was qualified as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Germany as a part of the occupation force during Europe’s reconstruction and was separated from the service on August 10, 1946. On July 10, 1949 he joined the Army Reserves and served until April 10, 1953.

Upon returning home, Henry returned to UCLA to complete his college education in accounting. In his early career, he worked as an CPA for Windes & McClaughry and rose to become a partner in the firm. On leaving public accounting, he joined Servco, a petroleum drilling tool manufacturer, as their chief accounting officer and treasurer. At Servco, he was appointed president of the company, his tenure lasting through its merger with Smith International in 1968. He retired in 1983, continuing to work as a consultant on special projects.

In retirement, he enjoyed his avid passion for golf, continuing to play several times per week at Palos Verdes Golf Club where he served as club president. To complement his legacy to his family, he made beautiful furniture to be passed down through the generations. All of these pieces will be cherished for generations to come.

A small family service was held Saturday, Aug. 25th. A military honor guard was on hand to present our nation’s flag and to blow taps. President Trump sent a presidential memorial certificate, in thanks from a grateful nation for his military service.