C. Lloyd Nix
Decatur C. Lloyd Nix was born to Cecil and Alberta Nix in Carbon Hill, AL, on December 7, 1936. He graduated from Carbon Hill High School in 1955 and Auburn University in 1959. While at Auburn, he led the Auburn Tigers football team to their first national championship and Auburn Baseball to an SEC championship. He held many leadership positions at Auburn but is best known for his quarterback skills. Lloyd was the original “can’t-runcan’t-throwall- he-does-isbeat-you” quarterback. You’d never hear this fact from him because of his humble nature, but he never lost a game in any sport while playing for Auburn.
After graduating from Auburn, he attended the UAB School of Dentistry in 1963. Before ultimately moving to Decatur to establish his dental practice, he served in the U.S. Air Force in Amarillo, Texas. His favorite part of his 35 years of dentistry was visiting his patients. During his retirement, he loved spending time with his family. They traveled to the beach, abroad, and to see his Auburn Tigers play. He spent many beautiful fall days with his friends, hunting every type of bird and watching the dogs work, mostly on horseback. He valued his time with his weekly golf group and his weekly Wednesday night poker games. During those Wednesday night poker games, not much money was bet, but much pie and conversation was enjoyed. Lloyd loved people and showed that by giving to his community in ways too numerous to list. Some of his favorite ways to offer his time and talents were through his leadership of the Dixie Youth Baseball program for over 12 years. He loved watching the young players learn the game and develop the character that comes from team sports. He was a man of faith and served his God and his church in a number of positions. Most importantly, he attended every Sunday and modeled his belief in the importance of hearing God’s word for family and others. Lloyd served his beloved Auburn as president of the Auburn University Alumni Board, member of the Auburn University Foundation Board, and member of the Auburn University Research Board. He was the definition of an Auburn man, personifying the Auburn Creed daily.
Many groups recognized him for his leadership and commitment to his community. He was inducted into the Morgan County, Walker County, and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and he received the Rotary Citizen of the Year, Cliff Hare Award, Walter Gilbert Award, and Auburn University Lifetime Achievement Award.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sandy; his brother, Paul Nix (Rohn Ross); two daughters, Denise Nix Slupe (Frank) and Natalie Nix Page (Steve); six granddaughters, Caroline Slupe Boswell (Will), Abby Slupe, Olivia Slupe, Lauren Slupe, Ashley W. Goodwin (Chase), and Kate W. Bolton (Tyler); five great-grandchildren, three of whom were finally boys; and many friends who he considered family.
An outdoor service celebrating his life will be held Tuesday, November 26th at 1:00 p.m., Rolling Oak Estates, 3525 Crusher Rd., Decatur, AL 35603. Wearing orange and blue is encouraged.
There will be a private graveside service for the family that morning.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to: The Lloyd Nix Memorial Scholarship Fund – The EAGLES Foundation. This scholarship will be awarded to an Auburn University’s EAGLES program student annually. The EAGLES program at Auburn University educates and serves students with intellectual disabilities. Lloyd was a heartfelt supporter of this program, hoping it would offer greater opportunities to students like his granddaughter, Lauren, who was born with Down syndrome.
By check: The EAGLES Foundation Attn: Katie Basden, 630 Wrights Mill Rd., Auburn, AL 36830 or online: http://www.eaglescharitablefoundation.org
766557-6
