Alan Leon Hix

Mr. Alan Leon Hix, 78, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at Gordon Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.

Alan was born on December 3, 1947, at Long's Hospital in Statesville, North Carolina, to the late Harry Charles Hix and Dorothy Gooden Hix. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1966 before attending North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering in 1970. As the first member of his family to attend NC State, Alan began a proud Wolfpack tradition that now spans three generations. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for seven years, attaining the rank of Captain.

After completing his military service, Alan returned home to North Carolina, where he spent many years in the state's furniture industry, including owning and operating his own business. He was respected for his strong work ethic, craftsmanship, and commitment to doing every job well.

While attending NC State, Alan discovered his love of music as a member of the university's Glee Club. That love became a lifelong ministry. He faithfully served as choir director at both Hebron Baptist Church and Diamond Hill Baptist Church, sharing his musical gifts and helping generations of worshippers lift their voices in praise.

Alan loved working outdoors and took great pride in caring for the family farm where he grew up. A gifted builder and craftsman, he built the home where he raised his family. Whether working the land, building with his hands, or tackling a new project, Alan believed that anything worth having was worth working for. He passed that belief on to his children, teaching them the value of hard work, perseverance, and earning the things they wanted through dedication and determination. Later in life, Alan and Vivian enjoyed traveling together, making many treasured memories at Walt Disney World and on cruises throughout the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. Those adventures were among their favorite times together and brought them great joy.

In addition to his parents, Alan was preceded in death by his first wife, Rita York Hix.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vivian T. Hix; his siblings, Keith Hix (Sharon), Kay Wood, Martha Hix, and Nancy Moore (Terry); his children, Melani Harrell (Scott), April Hix Morrison (Steve Fortner), Lauren Upton (Robbie), and Jonathan Alan Hix; and his stepsons, Brad Thompson (Allison) and Craig Thompson (Jodi).

Alan was a proud grandfather to Samuel and Aaron Harrell; Merit and Emmie Morrison; Hayes and Caroline Upton; and his step-grandchildren, Kaylee Kiter (Nick), David Thompson (Kendall), Joseph Thompson (Erin), and Sara Thompson. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Rowyn, Colson and Olivia Kiter, Jocelyn, Tara and Barrett Thompson and Monty Thompson.

A celebration of Alan's life will be held at Hebron Baptist Church on Friday, August 7, at 11:00 am for visitation with the service starting at 12pm. It will be officiated by Pastors Darren Johnson, Carl Williams, and the Reverend Dr. Terry Moore. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be David Thompson, Samuel Harrell, Hayes Upton, and Aaron Harrell. The family is being served by Troutman Funeral Home of Troutman.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gordon Hospice House and Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity they provided to Alan and his family during his final days.

Alan will be remembered for his faith, his love for his family, his service to his country, his gift of music, and his skilled hands. His family will forever cherish the home he built, the music he shared, the lessons he taught, and the legacy of love and faith he leaves behind.