Mike Nixon

Paul Michael Nixon, “Mike” aka “Smoke”, 59, of Decatur, IL passed away at 5:40 PM on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be at a Visitation scheduled from 6-8 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Glad Tidings (GT) Church, 500 S. 27th in Decatur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 6, 2012 at Glad Tidings (GT) Church, 500 S. 27th in Decatur, IL with a visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Pastor Matt Samuels will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Decatur, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Mike was born on May 27, 1952 in Decatur, IL and was the son of Paul Richard and Wanda Jeanette (Hill) Nixon. He married Amy Lorraine (Karr) Girardi on June 19, 2009 in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

He is survived by his wife Amy Nixon of Decatur, IL, one daughter, Stephanie Thomas of Ft. Myers, FL; two step-sons, Tony Girardi and Jimmy Girardi of Clinton, IL; his father Paul Nixon of Clearwater, FL; one brother Steve Nixon of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Spencer Vermeersch, Sydney Vermeersch and Savannah Thomas of Ft. Myers FL; and nephews, Nick Hammel, Kenny (Samantha) and Steven Nixon of Lexington, SC.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and sister, Carol Lynnette Nixon.

Mike was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 218 in Decatur, IL and was coordinator and instructor for the Joint Apprentice Training Council. He served as a delegate to Decatur Building Trades Council and Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly. Mike was owner and operator of Mt. Zion Trophy Sales. He worked as labor liaison helping minorities get into the building trades and was a member of the Workforce Investment Board. Mike also served as host to the “Labor’s Voice” radio show. He was a member of Glad Tidings Church in Decatur, IL.

Mike was a quality friend who always offered encouragement and prayers to those he met and was known for his contagious sense of humor. He enjoyed golf, motorcycle riding, music and being with family and friends.

Memorials may be made to We Are One Community fund to provide grants to local charities.