Robert Neill Hix, Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on 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 tours overseas in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, and Hahn AFB, Germany, as a Fuels Management Officer, achieving the rank of Captain. 

Bob was a lifelong 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. Bob loved colorful tropical fish and created aquatic ecosystems where he could enjoy them every day. He also tumbled and polished gemstones, sometimes creating jewelry. Bob enjoyed growing and harvesting a garden and fruit trees. He had many talents, but perhaps his greatest pleasure came from creating outdoor streams, ponds, and waterfalls, blending all into the natural environment as though they had been there all along. We will carry the memory of Bob sharing these gifts with us for 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, Naples, Florida; 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.

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held in Missouri in the Spring.