Social media tributes are flowing for abc13 KTRK photojournalist Willie Dixon, 52, who died yesterday according to posts.
Dixon's colleague and channel 13 reporter Miya Shay posted this touching remembrance in a series of tweets:
A lot of good people are in TV news, but Willie Dixon was exceptional. Since #COVID19, Willie and I worked together daily. For 6 weeks, he picked me up at my house, covered testing & news conferences, did live shots, and he dropped me off at the end of the day.
Friday, he dropped me off at my house around 6:30 pm. Never could I imagine the text messages we exchanged on Saturday would be our last. He died suddenly last night. He leaves behind his beautiful wife Dorothy, & his two accomplished daughters.
Willie was everyone’s favorite. We all claimed him as our own. If you were assigned Willie, you knew it was going to be a good day. I had the privilege of working with him daily the past six weeks. This last pic I took of him was at a COVID_19 testing site.
Willie Dixon made all of us better, but we could never be as kind, as generous, as loving, or hardworking as Willie. He lived an exemplary life. His family is a reflection of his character.
May we carry on our jobs as Willie did: with an open heart & an unending smile.
UPDATE
After I wrote this post, KTRK reported Dixon's death was unrelated to COVID-19. He came to work at channel 13 in 2006 from WFTV Orlando, Florida. He was from Mobile, Alabama and is a graduate of Alabama State University. Dixon is survived by his wife and two daughters.
A lot of good people are in TV news, but Willie Dixon was exceptional. Since #COVID19, Willie and I worked together daily. For 6 weeks, he picked me up at my house, covered testing & news conferences, did live shots, and he dropped me off at the end of the day. 1/ pic.twitter.com/iwx6z9KOcb— Miya Shay (@ABC13Miya) April 26, 2020
We are truly devastated.— Melanie Lawson (@MelanieLawson13) April 26, 2020
Some people are pure sunshine & always have a kind word to say.
Some work really hard & even make the job fun.
That was Willie Dixon...the kindest ever.
We lost him suddenly, but we will always love him & we thank his family for sharing him. 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/iLAcxwMKpW
Willie Dixon was singular. He was a bright light. He was a beautiful soul. He was a devoted husband and proud loving father. He was a talented, smart, tireless journalist who always saw the best in people. He was kind and genuine. And he was my friend. 🎥🎥 pic.twitter.com/b84N9fSy2l— Tom Abrahams (@TomAbrahams13) April 26, 2020
Willie Dixon was the best. The best coworker. The best photojournalist and the best friend. This was Willie. Fun, happy, hardworking. He made us all better. I pray for his family, whom he loved so much.— Jessica Willey (@ImJessicaWilley) April 26, 2020
We loved him. @abc13houston pic.twitter.com/38jMCQvyxI
I’m speechless and heartbroken. 💔Willie Dixon, one of the best photographers and friends I could ask for, passed away suddenly last night. He never complained, never forgot our milestones or failed to encourage us. Here’s his last voicemail to me: pic.twitter.com/sdaonkijaQ— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) April 26, 2020
Devastated. I will miss my dear friend, Willie Dixon. The kindest heart. Best attitude. Amazing work ethic. Always smiled. Praying for his family. pic.twitter.com/cowscyujBR— David Nuño (@DavidNunoABC13) April 26, 2020
We all know one of the people in this photo. I wish you knew the other too. Willie Dixon was an @abc13houston photojournalist. He worked hard, laughed harder, smiled bigger & loved more. We lost him. I pray his family never forgets how much we loved him too. Photo: @HoustonChron pic.twitter.com/paGEsOFEX8— Ted Oberg (@TedABC13) April 26, 2020
Mayor @SylvesterTurner’s Office of Communications extends condolences to the family of news photojournalist Willie Dixon and to his extended @abc13houston family. Willie covered the mayor’s daily #COVID19 briefings. His professionalism, positive attitude and smile will be missed. https://t.co/vKcG85cBhO— Mary Benton (@IAmMaryBenton) April 26, 2020
