Albert M Nixon, age 82, of Flowery Branch, Ga., passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Albert Mathews Nixon, a beloved figure in his community, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on September 15, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family, and a lifelong history of service. Mr. Nixon was born in Atlanta, GA, January 15, 1942. He was the youngest of three brothers born to William and Betty Nixon in Atlanta, where the family resided in the noted Vaughn Nixon house on Andrews Drive. The family moved to Thomaston, GA, where Albert attended high school, lettering in track, basketball, and football, a team for which he was selected captain. Albert then attended Darlington Prep in Rome, GA, where he was again selected captain of the football team and an All-Mid-South Conference tackle, also lettering in wrestling and track. His efforts helped land a scholarship to the Citadel in 1961.
Albert received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Citadel, where he built many lasting relationships and developed a desire to serve his country. Upon graduation, he worked briefly for the Georgia State Highway Dept., as a bridge engineer before entering Officer Training School with the United States Air Force.
Mr. Nixon entered active service in November of 1967, and served with distinction over the next eight years. He flew an F-4 Phantom jet in numerous close air support missions in the conflict in Vietnam, originally with the Assam Dragons 25th Tactical Unit. His tour also notably included 63 close-air missions between May and September of 1970 with the famed Wolf F.A.C. unit, a squadron that experienced devastating attrition due to the nature of their missions. His colleagues selected him for membership in The Red River Valley Fighter Pilot’s Association “for successfully striking targets in the most heavily defended area in the history of aerial warfare during operations over the Red River Valley of North Vietnam, and for gallantry in facing MIGs, SAMs and guns defending such targets.” The United States recognized his heroism with numerous awards and medals, and he was twice awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross in August of 1970 and December of 1972. He completed his service as a B-52 trainer pilot in the Strategic Air Command. An interview with Mr. Nixon concerning his service is featured in this recording from The Atlanta History Center: Nixon Veteran’s Interview.
Honorably Discharged from distinguished service, Mr. Nixon settled in Atlanta and became a fixture of popular city life. He remained a member of the Piedmont Driving Club throughout his life. He was affectionately nicknamed “The Mayor of Buckhead” by many friends due to his social popularity and sense of humor. Nevertheless, he continued his immersion in public service. He gave generously of his time and resources to the Botanical Gardens, worked extensively with the American Red Cross, and eventually became the Executive Director of the Disaster Relief Unit, putting himself on-call at all hours to assist victims of accidents, storms, and fires.
He married Patricia Smith Mann on St. Simon’s Island in November of 1992. He remained devoted to her for the duration of his life. The Nixons moved their residence to Hall County on Lake Lanier, where Mr. Nixon continued his community service with numerous flights as an Angel Flight Pilot, including assisting abroad in the nation of Georgia after the Russo-Georgian War. Domestically off the Georgia coast, he flew surveillance missions as a founding member of Homeland Security after heeding the call to service after the terrorist attacks of 9-11. In Hall County, he served his community as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, even certifying as a scuba diver to assist in recovering drowned victims.
Mr. Nixon’s commitment to family was evident in every aspect of his life; he was a constant source of support to his wife, stepchildren, and a doting grandfather to his cherished grandchildren. Albert took immense pride in attending their school events, celebrating their milestones, and sharing in their passions. Albert’s unwavering love for his family was a cornerstone of his life, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Nixon; his stepson, Scot J. Mann; and his grandchildren, Stephanie, Natalie, Jesse, and Zachary Fenner, and Madelyn Mann Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the Nixons invite well-wishers to donate to the American Red Cross: American Red Cross.