Michael T. Nix, 57, died battling cancer at his home in Lexington, Alabama on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. "Mr. Nix", as he was known to many, spent 32 years as an elementary school music teacher in the Lauderdale County School System. Mr. Nix was appreciated by his students, parents, and colleagues alike for his fun loving nature and his unique approach in sharing his love of music and laughter with thousands of students throughout his teaching career.
Michael was an accomplished pianist, and obtained both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in music from the University of North Alabama. In appreciation of Mr. Nix''s career and impact on music education, he was recently recognized by the Alabama Music Educators Association with the Outstanding Music Educator Award (2009-2010). Mr. Nix shared his musical and educational talents outside the classroom as well. He was an active member of the Lexington Church of Christ, where he led singing and taught Sunday School classes. He was also a volunteer coach for the Lexington High School Tennis team.
The funeral service will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Elkins East Chapel Funeral Home. Bro. Danny Pettus and Bro. Terry Michael will officiate. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. The family received friends Thursday evening and will again Friday from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m.
Michael is the son of the late Raleigh Nix, Jr., of Lexington, and is survived by his mother, Mary Wylodean Nix; brother, Philip Nix, and his wife Barbara; sister, Gayla Nix Holley and her husband Joe; nieces and nephews, Cavan Holley, Carleigh Holley, Daniel Nix and wife Amber, Scott Nix and wife Kristi: great nieces and nephews, Brandon, Ryan, Sarah, Jordan, and John Paul Nix; special friend, Dale Bailey as well as other friends and loved ones.
Pallbearers will be Jay Stejskal, Tommy Hammond, Rick Almond, David Wiseman, Keith Tays, Scott Nix, Daniel Nix and Cavan Holley. Honorary pallbearers will be fellow educators and students past and present.
Please consider donations to the Michael Nix Arts Scholarship Fund at any Bank Independent.
The family would like to thank Dr. Philip McGee, Layla Beverly, Dana Scott, Stacy Gilbert, Mary Woods and Hospice of Tennessee Valley.