Eddie Dixon Memorial drive-by

“This is history,” said Teresa Washington, as county employees and elected officials turned out for a Monday memorial drive by the county offices and courthouse.

County road crews parked lots of heavy equipment along the courthouse, a fitting tribute to the late Eddie Dixon, who died following a school bus accident.

Even though Monday was a federal holiday - Columbus Day - county offices were open

“One reason we wanted to park the equipment is Mr. Dixon voted for purchasing all that equipment along with the other supervisors,” said Chuck Thomas, chancery clerk, who helped organize the tribute. “It’s the first drive-by in my 31- year term.”

All major equipment was on display in neat lines and included fire, ambulance, and law enforcement from the county and city of Holly Springs. The Benton County Board of Supervisors also represented. All departments in the county and courts were also present.

“We are going to miss Mr. Dixon,” Thomas said. “He was a leveling rod for the board and is truly going to be missed.”

Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson, who led the escort to H.W. Byers for the funeral, said he does not remember anyone ever having a drive-by during his years as sheriff

“The drive by was appropriate as we honored one who had devoted his life as a teacher and supervisor and always was an advocate for the county and for education,” Dickerson said. “He was a friend of law enforcement. He didn’t just talk the talk. He walked the walk to the betterment of Marshall County citizens.”

Dixon’s funeral was held at H.W. Byers school, where he worked for over 40 years as a teacher and bus driver.