ROBERT NEILL HIX, Ellijay, Georgia, passed away February 21, 2025.  He was 83 years old.

Robert, or Bob, was born July 7, 1941 in Kinston, North Carolina to The Reverend Dr. Clarence Eugene Hix, Jr. and Elizabeth Louise (Sweet) Hix.

Bob served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He completed two overseas tours in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand and Hahn AFB, Germany as a Fuels Management Officer, achieving the rank of Captain.

Bob was a life-long craftsman whose abilities and insatiable curiosity seemed endless.  Bob produced custom wood cabinetry and furniture for clients and family.  He handcrafted dulcimers and wood carvings and made pottery.  Bob loved colorful tropical fish, and created aquarium eco-systems where he could enjoy them daily.  He also tumbled and polished gemstones, sometimes creating jewelry.  Bob enjoyed growing and harvesting from a vegetable garden and fruit trees.  Bob had many talents, but perhaps his greatest pleasure came from creating outdoor streams, ponds and waterfalls, blending all into the natural environment.  We will carry the memory of Bob sharing these talents with us in the days ahead.

Survivors include:  Wife, Ruth Benner Hix of the home; Children, by former wife Mary Lee (Golden) Hix:  Neil (Cindy) Hix, Tecumseh, Kansas; Debra Lind, Chanute, Kansas; Julie Hix, Leonardville, Kansas; Jennifer Hix, Topeka, Kansas; Siblings, Gene Hix III, Washington, DC; Bill (Sally) Hix, Walsenburg, Colorado; Anne (Joe) Gameson, Kansas City, Missouri; Mary (Ron) Bradbury, Bucyrus, Kansas.  Three Grandchildren, Bethany, Abigail, and Evan; one Great Grandchild, Ophelia; and numerous Nieces and Nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Regina Espenshade.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 am at Friemonth-Freese at 174 Hwy 5 & 240 N, Fayette, Missouri.  A short visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts may be made to Ellijay First United Methodist Church in memory of Robert N. Hix, to help build a pond for the Mountain Top Boys Home in Sugar Valley, Georgia.  Donations may be mailed to Ellijay First United Methodist Church at 75 McCutchen St., Ellijay, GA 30540.