Dean Hix

Dean Parker Hix, 88, of Hartwell, Georgia, passed away January 22, 2025 in Athens, Georgia. Dean was born in Hartwell on March 23, 1936 to Milton and Mamie Hix, and moved to Decatur, Georgia after graduating from Hart County High School.

Dean was married to Glenda Marett of Lavonia, for 68 years. Shortly after starting their life together in Atlanta, Dean was drafted into the army, and served in Virginia, Korea, and Ft. McPherson. After discharge from the reserves, Dean was a business owner and locksmith for numerous banks in Georgia until retirement.

Dean and Glenda had one child: Wanda Cavitt (Randy) of Lavonia, and two grandchildren, both of Athens: Rebekah Coffee (Tim), and Drayton Criswell (Hailey).

His hobbies included playing and umpiring softball, refereeing basketball, coaching soccer, involvement in tractor clubs, deer hunting, and maintaining an impressive vegetable garden for many years that was a focal point of the neighborhood. Dean and Glenda made many friends over the fence, as passersby stopped to chat, admire, and ask for gardening advice. One of his great joys was sharing his home-grown vegetables with friends and neighbors.

Dean enjoyed many roles in church, and volunteered wherever help was needed. Most of his years of service were at Scott Boulevard Baptist Church of Decatur as Sunday School teacher, RA leader, choir member, gospel quartet tenor, deacon, usher, and bus driver to countless Braves' games and Sunday night trips to The Varsity.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons of Decatur with Mr. David Cheek officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00pm. Military Honors will follow the service at Floral Hills Memory Gardens,Tucker.