Caleb Tanner Hixson

Caleb Tanner Hixson, 22, of Riceville, met the face of Jesus on March 8, 2012. While Tanner’s life was too short, the life he lived was filled with love and laughter and family and many wonderful friends. Tanner began playing baseball at the age of four with the Dixie Youth/Dizzie Dean Leagues and also played competitive baseball with “The Yard” in Knoxville along with his twin brother, Taylor. Tanner attended Walker Valley High School graduating in 2007 where he played varsity baseball. Upon graduation, he attended Bryan College on a baseball scholarship then later played at Cleveland State Community College. Tanner was currently enrolled at Lee University where he was majoring in Exercise Health Science with future plans to pursue an advanced degree in physical therapy. Tanner, a devoted UT fan, enjoyed attending UT games as well as hiking and canoeing. He also had a love for music especially the band, Umphrey’s McGee. He was a member of Eastanallee Baptist Church and also attended The Church at Grace Point of Cleveland while in college. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Vest Hixson, of Cleveland and great-grandfather, Samuel Jones, of Athens. Tanner is survived by his loving parents, Vicki and Zoot Hixson, his twin brother, Taylor, and older brother, Tyler, all of Riceville. Tanner was the proud uncle of Karrera “KJ,” Aiden, and Ryland Hixson, of Riceville; the grandson of Faye Wilson, of Athens, and Q.L. Hixson, Sr., of Cleveland; and the great-grandson of Frances Jones, of Athens. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Oran Creasman officiating. Interment will be held Monday, March 12, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastanallee Baptist Church Cemetery in Riceville, concluding with a white dove release ceremony. Pallbearers will include Tyler Hixson, Jeremy Edwards, Quinn Hixson III, Jake Brigham, Ryan Green, Nick Farrar, Jon Morgan, Johnathan Nichols, Drew Nunley, and Dakota Sisson. The family will receive friends on March 11, 2012, from11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at 3:30p.m. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Hixson family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.