Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Ricky Dixon
Former District 1 Councilman Ron Still was elected mayor of the City of Barnwell in November 2023. To fill his vacant District 1 council seat, a special election will be held Tuesday, April 2. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Barnwell native Ricky Dixon is the only candidate on the ballot.
“I have, for many years, had a desire to answer a call for public service. My father served this community in many ways, there was a certain pride and feeling of accomplishment in watching him. I feel that is what I want to emulate,” said Dixon.
With Mayor Still’s council seat open, Dixon decided to run for public office to serve his community.
“I feel that I have had many life experiences in my life and career that have allowed me to learn about public service. Through the several ranks and positions I held on the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP), I had the opportunity to receive training in leadership and development. I have had to learn to be flexible and also to adapt to change. I am excited at the possibility of working with the most diverse council the City of Barnwell has ever had,” said Dixon.
After graduating from Barnwell High, Dixon joined the Army and served on active duty for three years and inactive duty for three additional years. After serving in the Army, he joined the SCHP where he served for 26 years before retiring in 2011.
“Due to promotions I earned during my time on the Patrol, I had the opportunity to attend leadership training at several levels. I was able to attend training in leadership from the entry level to executive level. When I retired, I was serving as a Regional Commander for the Highway Patrol's Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team,” he said.
After retiring from SCHP, he worked for Farm Bureau for a brief time. Since 2012, he has served as a legal investigator for a law firm.
If elected, Dixon said he will work with city council, the administrator, and community leaders to promote new business. “I'd like to find ways to bring more success for our current small businesses. I would like to see our Circle and downtown area thrive with small businesses again. I believe Barnwell is on the upswing downtown with several new ventures. I would like to make sure the council remains focused on supporting those businesses however possible,” he said.
Dixon is the son of the late Bob and Pearl Dixon, who were long-time pillars of the community. His father was chief of the Barnwell Police Department for many years.
“I moved to Barnwell when I was 13 years old and immediately became connected with the people and the small-town life. I remember growing up in a very friendly community here. As my career has taken me away from Barnwell several times, I have always found myself returning. Barnwell is a very quaint town with a lot of history which I have enjoyed learning about over the years,” he said.
Most recently, he returned in 2021, but has always considered Barnwell home.
“Even when I lived away from Barnwell, much of my life still existed here with family and my Lodge,” he said.
Community involvement is important to Dixon, who is a member of Barnwell First Baptist Church and a volunteer on the Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery Committee. He is also an active member of Harmony Lodge No. 17, AFM. He is a Past Master of Harmony Lodge and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Masonic District. He’s also a member of Harmony Hope Chapter 229 of the Order of the Easten Star.
“I am a 32° Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Knight Templar York Rite Mason. Through this, I have had the opportunity to serve as a representative at the Victory Veteran’s House,” said Dixon.
He is married to Stephanie (Still) Dixon and he has two daughters, Hannah and Regan Dixon. He’s the youngest of five children, including his brother Bill who lives in Barnwell.
