ERBY MILLARD NIXON

Erby Millard Nixon, age 101, of Lynn Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March, 24th at Community Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loving family. He will be long remembered for his loving and humorous nature, a deep dedication to education, the devotion and love he had for his family, and a firm belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior.
He was born in Boaz, Alabama on Sept.4th, 1908 to Mary and Julius Nixon. His family later moved to Archer, FL., where he graduated from high school in 1926.
After high school, Erby attended the University of Florida, earning his B. S. and M.S. degree. He then moved to Fernandina Beach High School, Fernandina Bch., FL., where he taught science and coached for three years. Erby continued his teaching at Frink High School in Frink, FL., and then moved to Blountstown, FL. to become the science department head and all-sports coach for Blountstown High School. It was there that he first met the love of his life and future wife, Elizabeth Musgrove.
Five years later, while teaching science and coaching at Marianna High School, in Marianna, FL., Erby and Elizabeth married. He later accepted a position as head of the science department at Leon County High School in Tallahassee, FL.
During World War II, Erby enlisted in the Army and served until 1945 at Dougway Proving Grounds, UT. Shortly after leaving the military, he resumed his teaching career as a science teacher and assistant principal at Bay High School. He later served as principal at Parker/Tyndall(combined) Elementary, St. Andrew Elementary, Cherry Street Elementary, and Mowat Junior High School. In 1978, at the age of 70, he retired from Bay District Schools.
He was also a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Panama City, where he served for many years as a Sunday school teacher, 39 years as an ordained deacon, and 20 years as Honorary Deacon Emeritus. He also served his community as a member of the Lynn Haven Men's Rotary Club for 25 years.
Erby was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Nixon, sisters, Eunice Campbell of St. Augustine, FL., Ruby O'Kelley, of Gainesville, FL. and Avie Barton of Greensboro, NC., and his brother, Conner Nixon of Gainesville, FL.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Millard and Shannon Nixon of Lynn Haven, FL., sister, Ruth Buenzli of Melbourne, FL., sister-in-law, Jonni Jordan and husband, Jim of Deland, Fl., three granddaughters, Jessica Nixon of Long Beach, CA, Honey Nixon and Tess Nixon of Lynn Haven, FL. and great-grandson, Cade Nixon of Lynn Haven, FL. as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to all the caregivers at Community Health and Rehabilitation Center and Covenant Hospice who helped Erby each day of his time there, as well as the home health- care nurses and therapists who cared for him in his home in the years prior to his stay at Community. Special thanks go to his long-time housekeeper and friend, Helen Everett, and dear friends, Louise Percy and Will "Slick" Thomas for their years of encouragement and friendship.
The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday from 4 - 6 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Panama City on Sunday at 2 p.m. Graveside services will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Pine Memorial Cemetery on State Rd. 71, south of Blountstown, FL. All friends and family are invited to join afterward for food, fellowship, and memories at Erby's residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erby's memory to the First Baptist Church of Panama City Building Fund , P.O. Box 1200, Panama City, FL 32402 or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th St., Panama City, FL 32405.

Wilson Funeral Home