Willard (Bill) Allen Dix

December 3, 1931 – November 18, 2024

Willard (Bill) Allen Dix passed away on November 18, 2024. Bill was born on December 3, 1931, in Elizabeth, N.J., second son of Allen G. and Sarah Heller Dix.

After attending Elizabeth schools, Bill earned a BSME from Tufts University (1953), an MAE from Chrysler Institute of Engineering (1955) and completed the Bell Laboratories “Communications Development Training Program” in 1959. Bill was employed as a mechanical engineer at Chrysler Corp., Singer Mfg., and Bell Telephone Laboratories where after 28 years of service, he retired from AT&T Corporation (Lucent Tech). He had an engineering mind and loved to problem solve to make things more efficient and create new products and systems. Bill was the proud holder of eight U.S. patents for products developed with these companies.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte Dix; daughter, lnge Dix (Brett) Turner; sons, Andrew C. (Thea) Dix, Robert M. (Jenna) Dix, and Willard M. Dix; and six grandchildren, Jackson Turner, Hannah, Natalie, Eliot, Delaney, and Henry Dix. He was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, Dr. Robert H. Dix; and his wife, Mary S. Dix.

Bill was an active member of Noblesville First United Methodist Church, serving on a variety of committees, and a 36-year member of the Chancel Choir. He also was a 23-year member of Sounds Unlimited chorale ensemble. His community service included Meals on Wheels, Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission, NPA, and Noblesville Park Board. Volunteering to work at the Belfry Theater was a favorite pastime and he served as a mentor in the Kids Hope program.

Bill spoke often of happy memories growing up and life on Sunrise Camp in Groton, Vt. He was a talented woodworker and handyman. Bill will always be remembered for his willingness to help others and for the ability to fix anything. His easy-going attitude, fun and dry sense of humor, mastery of crossword puzzles, and happiness in life will be remembered. He has left his family and friends a legacy built of faith, values, quiet strength, integrity, and discipline. Bill was highly regarded by all. He loved God, his family, and friends, and they loved him. All who knew him considered him a truly “good guy” and a “grand man,” and he will be missed dearly.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. this Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Noblesville First United Methodist Church. All attending are invited to enjoy an ice cream social afterwards, which was Bill’s favorite meal.

Memorial contributions may be made to Noblesville United Methodist Church, Chancel Choir, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville, IN 46060.

Condolences: randallroberts.com