April 9, 2025
Dr. Gary LaNeal Nixon, who was born to the late Toy and Clara Nixon on April 6, 1948 in Liberty, Tennessee and departed this life on his birthday this past Sunday April 6, 2025 in his Murfreesboro home.
He lived a life most only dream of because no project was too big; he handled it all. He dedicated his life for the children of Tennessee. Gary raised a wonderful family where all of his love was felt as he was the rock of the family. He was a member of the Temperance Hall Methodist Church and a Mason. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s at Tennessee Tech and his Doctorate from Vanderbilt. He had such an accomplished career in public education that left his mark and legacy on Tennessee education and those who had the privilege to work with him. He was first a Chemistry and Physics teacher at Cumberland County High School in Crossville, and then went on to serve as principal for over 25 years. Once he left CCHS to work for the State Board of Education, he continued from there to open Blackman High School in Murfreesboro. Later, he was hired as Director of the State Board of Education, from which he retired from in 2014. While serving as the Director of the State Board of Education, he was credited for the requirement of Algebra I, for all students in Tennessee. Gary represented Tennessee in a tour of the German education system through the High Schools That Work program. Gary served as a member of Tennessee state collaborative on reforming education steering committee to improve student achievement in Tennessee (SCORE). Gary was a visionary leader in Tennessee education and advocated for all children.
Gary loved family time and gardening. Gary was not a follower, but had a big following and left a wake of pure excellence. A saying he lived by, “small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.” He loved Tennessee athletics and loved Arkansas anytime they weren’t playing Tennessee. He agreed that the best two words in football are “Touchdown Tennessee.” Crappie fishing was his absolute favorite activity.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 30 years, Kay Nixon; two sons, James (Crystal) Nixon and Jesse (Kelly) Nixon; three grandchildren, Michael Nixon and fiance Jordan; Emily Nixon and Curtis Nixon; and two cats that he loved just like the family, Tootie and Stanley.
Funeral services will be 12 Noon Friday, April 11, 2025 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Clark Herrell officiating and burial will follow in Baird Memorial Cemetery in Hickman. Visitation will be this Friday, 10:30AM until the time of the service at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Dr. Gary Nixon.