Dix Holt McMullin Obituary (1933 - 2008)

Dix Holt McMullin, age 74, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away suddenly on November 8th, 2008 due to complications incident to cancer. He was born November 30, 1933, to Urban Bryner and Verda Holt McMullin. Dix was a life-long resident of South Jordan and graduate of Jordan High School. His ongoing commitment to learning and teaching dominated his life with the conferral of Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees, all in education from the University of Utah. Go Utes! Dix married his eternal friend and sweetheart, Renae Goff, on September 15, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their decades of love were focused on devotion, service, and tireless support of the activities, special events and accomplishments of their five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His greatest joy came from his role as husband, father, and patriarch to his family. He lovingly taught and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ, gathering his family together often and using every opportunity to have “a teaching moment.” He was a faithful, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for his entire life. Dix fulfilled many callings including bishop, high council representative, ward mission leader, scout leader, temple worker, and a teacher in many capacities. He also had the wonderful experience of serving a full-time mission with his wife Renae at the Winter Quarters Visitors Center. Dix served his country and community throughout his life. As a young man he was honored to become an eagle scout. He later earned the rank of Lieutenant in the National Guard. His early professional career was shaped in public education working as a teacher, counselor, principal and administrator. He founded and operated Master Academy, a multi-campus private high school. In later years, he worked with his sons on various consulting and real estate projects. Dix served in over thirty years of public office including Planning Commission, City Council, Mayor, Utah House of Representatives and the Utah State Senate. Dix participated in many local interests that he found very rewarding. He was actively involved in the Utah Boys Ranch, Utah Highway Patrol Honorary Colonels, South Jordan City Lions Club, South Jordan City Historical Committee and several advisory boards. He found great joy and satisfaction in golfing, hunting and caring for the century old family farm adjacent to his residence. He is preceded in death by his dear companion of 54 years, Renae, who passed away 30 days before him, parents, brother Clell and sister Clem. Survived by his five children; Dixy (Tom) Christensen, Garn H. (Pam) McMullin, Patrece (Steve) Johnson, Paulette (Scott) Taggart, Richard D. (Karol Ann) McMullin; 31 grandchildren, three great grandchildren; sister-in-law Jacqueline (Clell) McMullin, and brother-in-law Roy (Clem) Heagren. A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 13th, 5-9 p.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South). Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14th, 2008, at 12:00 noon in the South Jordan River Stake Center, 11400 South 1570 West, South Jordan, with a viewing preceding from 10-11:30 a.m. Interment, South Jordan City Cemetery.