Leonard D. Hixson, Jr.

Leonard “Lenny” Delette Hixson Jr. of Lake Helen, Florida, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on September 3, 2025. He was born on April 28, 1956, in Corry, Pennsylvania. Lenny was the second-born child and the only son among five children to his parents, Shirley Dixon (married to James “Jim” Dixon) and Leonard D. Hixson Sr.

From a young age, Lenny developed a love for hard work, sports, and fast cars. He wrestled in his younger years, a sport that helped shape his determination, grit, and competitive spirit. Wrestling gave him the discipline and toughness he carried throughout his life. Even after his school years, he never let it go—he often joked around wrestling with friends, and later with his own kids on the living room floor, turning it into a fun family tradition filled with laughter. He also began working in the 1960s at his stepfather Jim Dixon’s Phillips 66 service station on South Woodland Boulevard in DeLand. In 1971, when Dixon’s Wrecker Service was established on 15A, Lenny continued working there until his retirement.

Lenny was a devoted father of three: Fiona Ash (husband Tom), Amy Rupe (husband Justin), and Nick. He was also a proud grandfather of five—Zach, Kenzie, Kayley, Jayda, and Paetyn—and a great-grandfather to Greyson. Racing was one of Lenny’s lifelong passions. He raced anything he could make go fast, from motorcycles to cars, and shared this passion with his children. He and his eldest daughter, Fiona, spent countless weekends racing together, while his youngest son, Nick, carries on his father’s legacy in the towing business. His middle daughter, Amy, was born on a Saturday—a day Lenny usually reserved for racing—earning him playful trouble for being at the track during her arrival. Beyond his work and hobbies, Lenny was a man with a big heart and an infectious spirit. He could light up a room with a few words, was always ready to lend a helping hand, and had a way of turning strangers into lifelong friends.

Lenny is preceded in death by his favorite Fur-kid Tink, fathers, James F. Dixon and Leonard D. Hixson Sr., as well as the mother of his children, Nathalie Blackwell. He is survived by his mother, Shirley Dixon; his siblings, Jerry, Terri, Tim, and Kim ; his children, Fiona, Amy, and Nick; his grandchildren, Zach, Kenzie, Kayley, Jayda, and Paetyn; and his great-grandson, Greyson. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will miss him dearly, including his Grand-cows who will miss their daily treats.

Please join us for Lenny's Checkered flag celebration.

Date: September 28th Location: New Smyrna Speedway 3939 State Road 44 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (FOLLOW THE PITS SIGN)

Time: 2:00 pm

RSVP 386-747-8350 Fiona Ash

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