Dixon Caldwell Williams

Dixon Caldwell Williams, 74, of Pulaski, Virginia, passed away on June 22, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1951, in Shelby, North Carolina, and lived a life marked by service, humor, devotion to community and family, and a deep love of the water.

Born in Shelby, North Carolina as the only child of doting parents, Dorman and Sarah, Dixon spent most of his childhood years in Clemmons, NC, as a precocious, and, we imagine, pretty hilarious child. His childhood and teen years were highlighted by Boy Scouts, making Eagle Scout as a 13 year old, and music, as a member and drum major, of his high school marching band, the R.J. Reynolds High School’s Marching Demons. Late in high school, he would meet his future wife of 52 years, Julie, and they would begin building a life filled with accomplishments, joy, and laughter. Dixon graduated, with Julie, from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina, before earning his medical degree from the University of North Carolina. During this time, he married Julie and the first of three daughters was born. After many years in family practice, where his favorite thing to do was warn wary children about the elephants in their throats or the monkeys in their ears, he went on to become a beloved emergency room physician, bringing skill, calm, compassion, and even a few laughs, to people during some of their most difficult moments. While his professional title was Doctor, he also proudly served as the resident comedian in the Emergency Room and through the halls of the hospital. Dixon was, for some years, the team doctor for the Pulaski County High School football team, and the loudest supporter of Pulaski County girls’ basketball. Whether he was wrapping an ankle, or informing a referee that he was “missing a good game,” Dixon’s presence and support of the youth of Pulaski was undeniable.

Dixon spent a large part of his later years on the water of the Chesapeake Bay in his sailboat, Breeze, surrounded by the many special friends he made in the Regent Point Yacht Club. There, he became part of a tight-knit community, and spent his time sailing, exploring, and being the general life of the party, with Julie and the many friends they made or brought with them along the way. Always willing to show someone his boat, or take them sailing, Dixon was generous with his time, his expertise, and his jokes.

Above all, Dixon was a devoted husband, son, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren were often his favorite audience and his willingness to be silly with them made him the hit of any family event.

Those who knew Dixon will remember his quick wit, his gift for storytelling, and the way he always seemed to have a joke ready. Whether in the emergency room, on the sidelines, on the water, or surrounded by family, he had a rare ability to lighten a room and make any situation just a little funnier.

Dixon is preceded in death by his father, Dorman Lemuel Williams, and survived by his wife, Julie McCollum Williams; his mother, Sarah Elam Williams; his three daughters, Jill Williams and her husband, Mike Reis, Lee Williams-Ratliff and her husband, Brandon Ratliff, and Abby Nicolo and her husband, Jacob Nicolo; his grandchildren, Jackson, Silas, Zennalee, Oscar, Landis, Amos, and Corrie; and many special cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12 at the Thorn Spring Golf Course and Event Center from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Calfee Community and Cultural Center at www.calfeeccc.org or at 1 Corbin Harmon Drive, Pulaski, VA 24301.