 Sept. 28, 1939 - Jan. 12, 2020
Funeral: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 @ 2pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
520 Summit Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Jan. 12, 2020: Saddened to share the news of Al's death earlier this am (after a battle with Parkinson's)
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, Al Mixon, loving husband, stepfather, grandfather and friend went home at the age of 80. Born in Hartsville, SC to Leo Zimmerman and Margie Young Mixon on September 28, 1939, Al graduated from Coker College, served proudly in the US Army and spent his career of 35 years at Wachovia Bank. Al married the love of his life, Robyn Abrams Jones, on January 20, 1990 and became step-father to Lindsay and Christopher Jones.
Al had an enduring passion for tennis, celebrated through the years as he shepherded Ski Club tennis tournaments, and planned annual Labor Day weekend trips to the US Open. He and Robyn savored natural beauty as they hiked the national parks and skied out west, and traveled each year to favorite places in France and Italy. Always a Y member, a move to The Gables introduced joys of the Robinhood Y, where he was a daily member of both The Hilltoppers and 8:30 RPM cycle classes. His friends in those classes were extra special to him and went all out for a grand 80th birthday celebration he enjoyed to the hilt. He and Robyn were weekly regulars at their favorite restaurant, The West End Café, where the bartenders had their drinks on the bar before they even sat down. Gables neighbors became treasured friends in faithfulness and fellowship.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry. He will always be treasured by his wife, Robyn, step-sons Lindsay (Jamie) and Christopher (Amy) and beloved grandchildren, Huck, Ruby, Sadie and Loie Jones, sister-in-law Carol White and brother-in-law Henry White, long-time dear friend and helper, Brenda Lawhon, as well as many loving friends, Robinhood Y members, John Jordan men’s club members and Ski and Outing club buddies. A special thanks to Joanne Jackson, friend and neighbor who has cared for Al so lovingly, and the staff at Trellis Supportive Care.
Al’s life will be celebrated in a funeral service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 2 PM on Tuesday, January 21, with a reception to follow in the Colhoun Room. Al’s wishes are that in place of flowers, donations may be made to The Robinhood family YMCA, Piedmont Land Conservancy or Trellis Supportive Care.
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Ken Carpenter
Al and I worked closely together for several months in the early 1980's on Wachovia's Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) system. He was such a dedicated and talented programmer but I remember him even more fondly for introducing me to the Winston-Salem Ski Club after I expressed an interest in learning to snow ski. It was at a Club meeting in January, 1985 that I met my future wife of 34 years. Al, you will be missed, my friend! You helped change my life for the better and that's one of the best things that can be said about anyone.
Gary Trapp
I worked closely with Al during the early to mid 80s in Systems Development. Not only was he a skilled programmer but was a pleasant person who always greeted folks with a smile. Al was quick to strike up a very easy and heartfelt conversation, asking about family and personal life. In work matters I found him to be totally dependable and quick to deal with issues needing attention. Since retirement I have enjoyed seeing him at bank functions and occassionally around the city. I considered Al a good friend and will miss those chats with him about the 'good old days' at Wachovia. Gary.
David Cotterill
What can I say??? he was so nice to be around and so capable! I never wondered if he knew what he was doing ( technically) I had the highest confidence in him..
Dog-gone we will sure miss him--- he kept our ship afloat!!
William Coulthard
I met and worked with Al when I first came to work with Wachovia Services in 1969. Always was very welcoming to me, and any newcomer. I wonder is he was still chewing rubber bands......quite a trait. Will be missed !!
bill coulthard
Roy Cooke
He was great to have as a team player at work. I never asked him a question that he didn’t stop everything he was doing to answer right then and there. He never acted like I had bothered him. What fond memories.
Jerry Ayers
Anytime I talked with Al there was always in his response a calm and measured tone supported by a wealth of knowledge and understanding of whatever topic we were discussing. His easy-going approach and quick smile made working with him such a pleasure. He was a good man. RIP.