Obituary of Curtis Dixon

In Loving Memory of Curtis Dixon October 13, 1941 – January 11, 2026 Curtis Dixon was born on October 13, 1941, in Bessemer, Alabama, to his loving parents, Curtis Dixon, and Willie Mae Dixon, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. As a young man, Curtis migrated to New York City, where he was raised in the Bronx by his grandmother, Maggie Dixon, and his aunt and uncle, Latharee and Johnny Nicholson. There, his lifelong journey of self-determination, love, and service truly began. After attending high school, Curtis earned his GED, determined to better himself and build a meaningful future. He joined the United States Air Force, where he worked on airplanes, and proudly represented his unit on the basketball court. His talent, and discipline earned him a partial basketball scholarship to Morehead State University, a milestone that reflected both his athletic ability, and his drive to excel. Returning home to New York, Curtis began working as a bellhop at the Waldorf Astoria. Even then, he knew he was meant for more. He went on to become an officer with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department (NYCHA PD). He later joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD), beginning a distinguished career of service. Curtis was a devoted family man. He was married for 12 years and had two daughters, Tracy and Dionne. After that union, came twins, Curtis and Terry. He later married the love of his life, Earlene Phipps, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage and a blended family that included his stepson, Winston. Family and friendships were at the heart of everything Curtis did. During his tenure with the New York Police Department, Curtis served with honor, and distinction. He trained new recruits as an academy instructor, worked with youth through the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), and competed, coached, and played basketball with the Police Olympic Teams and co-founded the NYPD Running Club. His last position in the department, he served on Mayor David Dinkins’ special security detail at Gracie Mansion. Curtis retired from the New York Police Department in 1992 as a Detective, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, discipline, and service. Retirement did not slow him down. In 2002, continuing his commitment to public service at the highest level, he served as the Head of Security for the New York State Comptroller for the Honorable H. Carl McCall. At the same time, Curtis continued to strengthen bonds with family and friends across the East Coast. He nurtured his passion for healthy living and community through his Finest Sports events, including the 14.2 Manhattan Training Run, the Police Chase, and the cherished boat ride—gatherings that brought people together in joy, movement and fellowship. Later, at the request of Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Curtis became Director of Security at FIT. He served with pride until 2013; when he smiled and said, “I don’t feel like getting up and driving into the city anymore,” choosing then to embrace the next chapter of his life fully. That next chapter was filled with travel, laughter, and love. Curtis and Earlene traveled together, while he spent treasured time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in the company of his beloved sisters, nieces, nephews, and extended family, and treasured close friendships. He remained devoted to the extended family circles and so many others whose lives he touched. True to his philosophy—“You’ve got to keep moving”—Curtis could often be found walking or running in the mornings, calling to check on loved ones, sending cards to let others know he was thinking of them, working around the house or volunteering at races with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), Long Island Road Runners (LIRR) and the NYPD Running Club (NYPDRC). Whether handing out flyers, capturing moments with his camera or helping wherever needed, Curtis was always in motion, and always giving. Curtis once said, “I’m not a church-going man. I’ll go from time to time, but I believe in God. God gave me a good life just by being good to others.” By that measure, his life was truly blessed. Curtis Dixon went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis, and Willie Mae; grandmother Maggie, his sisters, Jacqueline and Sabrina; his aunt Latharee, and uncle Johnny. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Earlene; his children Tracy (John), Dionne, Terry and Curtis; and his stepson Winston. He is also survived by his grandchildren Eryn, Kyle, Collin, Bailee, Danika, Dakota, Amari, and Ciel; his great-granddaughter Hope; his sisters Sadie and Rosetta; his sisters-in-law Joyce (Darryl) and Daphne (Bernard); his nieces Teri, Tanisha, Danielle, and Detrice; his nephews Michael, Bashawn, and Terrence; cousin Darlene, and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends. Curtis Dixon lived a life of service, movement, laughter, and love—and his legacy will continueto RUN strong in every heart he touched.