Khalil Rashad AKA James Dixon

Obituary For Khalil Rashad AKA James Dixon

Khalil Rashad (AKA) James Dixon was born March 8, 1945 to Clinton Dixon, Sr. and Emma Lou Cason-Dixon in Pidcock, Brooks County, Georgia. He was raised from Four years old by his step dad, James Calvin Williams, Sr. and his mother, Emma Lou Cason-Williams in Pidcock. They all preceded him in death. James was the second oldest of eight children.

James attended Brooks County schools and graduated from Washington Street High School in Quitman, Georgia.

James joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and Grissom Air Force Base in Kokomo, Indiana. He spent four years in military service to his country.

He met and married Anna Darlene Whitlow in 1968. They were married in Raleigh, West Virginia and made Kokomo, Indiana their home. To this union was born a son in 1970, Derick Lamont Dixon, that preceded him in death in 1997.

In 2017, he was united with two other children born to him in Kokomo, Indiana in 1997 and 1998. Sonia Herring Washington and Byron Smith found him after a 30 yearsearch…thanks to AncestryDNA and their match with his brother, Calvin. James was so grateful and super glad to meet them.

Also, preceding him in death are Brother, Clinton Dixon, Jr.; Sisters, Rosa Lee Dixon-Powell, Hattie Dixon, Velma Dixon, and Evelyn Williams-McGhee and Brother-in-Law, James Frazier.

James later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he worked for the Airport Authority. He treasured the times when he met celebrities coming in and out of the airport and the huge tips they would give him. He, eventually, moved back home to Georgia. He was an entrepreneur in a small way and also held employment with other employers.

James grew up in a “Christian” household, but later chose “Islam”, thus the name change to “Khalil Rashad”. He studied it profusely, looking for truth. He had found newness in his life. Late in life, he begun to visit his brother, Pastor Calvin Williams’s church, and told him, “Bruh, I’ve never heard the Bible taught like that…I can understand it!” Over time, Calvin led him to Christ and to the Christian faith. He became a member of Church OfPerfecting Saints (COPS) in Quitman, Georgia.

James had a heart of gold. He loved animals and, especially dogs! But most of all, he loved people. James was so generous. He would give you his last…no matter who you were, and that’s no exaggeration!

He loved his family so very much, and told them so, every time he saw them! He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Sonia Herring Washington of Kokomo, Indiana; one son, Byron Smith of Dallas, Texas; Grandchildren, Ashley Herring, Julian Brown of Kokomo, Indiana, Markiest Smith, JayDon Smith of Dallas, Texas; Great grandchildren, Ashton Herring, Santana Brown, Kokomo, Indiana; great great granddaughter, Solana Herring, of Kokomo, Indiana; Sister, Viola Frazier of Lake Wales, Florida; Brothers, Pastor James Calvin Williams, Jr. (Phyllis), Ronnie Williams of Quitman, GA, Morris Williams (Marty) of Boston, GA, Tyrone Williams (Tyiesha) of Clyattville, GA, Cecil Williams (Cassandra) of Valdosta, GA; Brother-in-Law, Jim McGhee, Sr. of Quitman, GA; and a host of nephews, nieces, so many cousins and other family relatives that loved him very much. He also leaves behind many sorrowing friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 12PM-7PM.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2PM at The Quitman Church of God with Pastor Calvin Williams, officiating. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.