Loy Vernon Nix

Loy Vernon Nix, 80 passed away on March 31, 2011 peacefully in his sleep at home. He was born in Gainesville, GA. December 26, 1930 to Sarah Luna Owens Nix and Andrew Jackson Nix. Surviving are his three children, Paul W. Nix, Joni D. Nix and Georgiana Nedelcu, as well as his brothers, Phillip Nix, Wayne Nix and sister Marie Thomas. He was preceded in death by his older brother AJ. Nix and parents.

Loy was a graduate of Gainesville High School, class of 1950. He enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter and served honorably for 22 years in both the USS Atlantic 6th Fleet, as well as the USS Pacific 7th Fleet.

He served on the following ships: USS Topeka CLG-8 during the Korean War, USS Columbus CL-56, USS Lowery DD-770, USS John Weeks DD-701, USS Grand Canyon AD-28, USS Tatnuck ATA-195, USS Albany CG-10 and a tug in Seattle, WA. He was stationed overseas in Japan, stateside at Norfolk, VA. and Great Lakes, IL., where he was an instructor of electricity, electronics and hydraulics.

He especially enjoyed joking and talking with his shipmates at naval reunions, attending several every year.

Loy traveled the globe many times during his successful career as Chief Gunner's Mate, working in the nuclear missile house aboard ship, and later retiring as Chief Petty Officer. During Operation Bumblebee, he wrote instruction manuals for the Talos surface-to-air missile development program at the Pentagon, Washington DC.

As a dedicated retired Navy man, he maintained active membership status with the National Chief Petty Officer's Association, The Gunner's Mates Association, USS Columbus Association, US Navy Cruiser's Sailor Association, USS John Weeks Association and the Tin Can Sailor's Association. Once, he enthusiastically organized a shipmate's reunion single-handedly in Atlanta, GA.

He gives a final salute to all his shipmates, family, and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at the Chapel of the Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gainesville, GA. on April 6th at 11:00 AM, followed by an Honor Guard burial ceremony at 11:45 AM. in the Memorial Park Cemetery.