Leonard Anthony Dixon

Leonard Anthony Dixon, of Knoxville, TN, departed this life on Saturday, August 15, 2026 as he slept away peacefully, having been surrounded by family & nursing staff.

As a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1971, Knoxville Tennessee, he attended Morristown College, where he studied Culinary Arts, and later enlisted in the United States Army with Honorable Discharge. He worked diligently as Head Chef for Holston Hills Country Club and Chesapeake’s Restaurant where he perfected an infamous “Slow Pie” recipe. He also had a productive entrepreneurial side job detailing cars for various clients, as his Dixon relatives shared the same passions for all things automobiles. Affectionately called “Lenny”, or “Lemon Seed”, he knew how to turn a dirty car into what looked like a new treasure! His talent for detailing and preparing delicious recipes will remain unmatched, as evidenced by many still requesting his & Slow Pies in his final months (Gratefully, they were able to enjoy them!).

Later, in 1989, Leonard relocated to Middletown, Ohio, joining his mother & sisters. He later retired & settled for over 30 years, after being diagnosed with debilitating chronic illnesses. Despite living with progressive, chronic illnesses, Leonard remained strong and determined to live, thrive, and succeed in all his endeavors-and that amazing strength and determination will forever inspire us all as we remember to carry the same to future generations.

His love for his family was consistently expressed through not only words, but actions. He never missed checking in, birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, determined to not allow his illnesses or distance to prevent him from being present in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Harry Dixon, Sr.; mother, Ruth Dixon; sister Marilyn Dixon; and sister-in-law, Diane Dixon.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted children, Dimitrus (Daiesha) Dixon, and Tamiko Dixon; Step-children, Karicko Tunstall of Hamilton, Ohio & Kwaunia O. Bright (US Army Ret) of Portsmouth, Virginia; Brothers, Harry Dixon , Jr. of Loganvile, Georgia, & Charles Dixon of Buckhead, Georgia; Especially devoted sister & loyal caregiver, Lonetta Taylor (Steven) of Middletown, Ohio; Aunt, Lillie Mae Jones; Loving grandchildren: Dimitreana Dixon, Marquis Thomas, Jaquis Thomas, Dimitria Dixon, Kyriae Smith, Dimi Dixon, and Jalaila Bennett; Great-grandchildren: Honesty Dixon, Nadiyah Johnson, Kamila Dixon, and Tru Love.

We extend our profound thanks and gratitude to the amazing assistance & care provided by Beacon Home Health & Sun Crest Physical/Occupational Home Therapies, and Amedysis Hospice Care, all of Knoxville, TN. Special thanks to Dr. Gillespie & Nurse Managers, Annette & Chere of Beverly Park Place, Knoxville, TN. Exceptional thanks and recognition are due for the phenomenal overseeing of his long term care provided by his dedicated twin sister, Lonetta “Lonnie” Taylor for many, many years, and additional gratitude for his incredible caregiver, Ashley, both of Middletown, Ohio.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.

The final resting place will be at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier) on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. There will be full military honors and a dove release to conclude in his honor.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary Chapel. www.unitymortuary1979.com