David Allan Dixon, 50 of Leonardtown, MD died July 23, 2010 peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. David was born on July 12, 1960 in Annapolis, MD to Robert Stephen Dixon Sr. and the late Irene Anne Abell Dixon. David, affectionately known as "Davy D", moved to St. Mary's County with his family to live on Ellenborough Farm for the last 47 years.

Through the efforts of his mother and father and other parents of disabled children in St. Mary's County, The Association for Retarded Citizens, now known as the ARC was chartered. Over 44 years ago, David became an original attendee at the first daycare program created for disabled persons in St. Mary's County. That program, first located at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Hall in Leonardtown, later moved the former Health Department building in Lexington Park and ultimately to it's current location in Hollywood and is now known as The Center for Life Enrichment. This pioneering group of parents also fought to open the first group homes and create the first in-home care grants so families of the disabled could keep their children close to home or in their own home. David has received, over the years, loving care from first ARC staff and for the last 17 years from United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Maryland staff.

He had many special friends and caregivers over the years from the ARC, The Center for Life Enrichment and UCP. His most special friend, Ms. Shirley Short, was with him the longest of all and although she is now retired due to health reasons, has remained a large part of David's life. Her love and care over the past 17 years not only sustained him but also supported and comforted his father and mother, sister and brother.

David was predeceased by his mother, Renee Dixon.

He is survived by his father, Robert "Bob" Dixon, brother, Steve Dixon, sister, Lydia Dixon, and a host of aunts, cousins, and in-laws. For those who knew and loved him best, he will be remembered for his strength, humor, and tenacity. He was a loving and well loved person.

Family will receive friends for David's Life Celebration on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A memorial service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. A private inurnment will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Laurel Grove where he will be joined with his mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Irene A. Dixon and David A. Dixon Trust Fund, in care of L. Dixon, 22909 Cedar Lane Road, Leonardtown, MD, 20650, The Center for Life Enrichment, P.O. Box 610, Hollywood , MD 20636 or the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Southern MD, 21815 Three Notch Road, Suite H, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.