The Obituary

Dr. Lawrence Michael Nixon

(November 12, 1950 – January 19, 2020)

On November 12, 1950, God blessed the earth with a phenomenal artist in every sense of the word, Lawrence Michael Nixon. A great Visual Display designer, Martial Arts Master, and an artistic genius to say the least.  Born to the late Charles R. Nixon Sr. and Thelma A. Smart in Akron, Ohio.

Dr. Nixon attended Akron Public Schools graduating from South High School in 1968.  With a zeal for leadership, management and other superb qualities he continued his education earning a Doctorate of Philosophy in 2002.  He was a dedicated member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Employed as Sr. Executive Visual Merchandising Manager at Polsky’s Department store in 1972, he met and married his lovely wife Cynthia Nixon in 1976. From this union three sons: Carl (Eastampton, NJ), Antwaun (Dayton, OH), and Jule (Tulsa, OK).

At the tender age of 13, Dr. Nixon began to study Ju Jitsu Martial Arts at the YMCA.; later moving on to study GoJu Ryu karate at the age of 16 under the tutelage of Sensei Miles Lampkin Jr.  After rapidly excelling, Sensei Miles awarded his first black belt to Lawrence and chose him as successor to Keno’s Judo & Karate Inc. upon graduation from South High School. Throughout his life, he dedicated his time to the community by providing Martial Arts at no cost, mentoring and educating many young minds at Joy Park Community Center and his home.

In 1995, Dr. Nixon was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  The event coordinator from 2000 to 2003.   In 1999, Dr. Nixon returned Akron’s long-standing tradition of the animated holiday window displays for millions to view and enjoy during the holiday season at the O’Neil’s and Polsky buildings.  After retiring from 35 years of service at Macy’s department store, Dr. Nixon would become the Founder/CEO of Gedatsu-Dai Goju-Ryu Karate Academy and the GEDATSUKAI Martial Arts Federation (GKMAF) inducting, awarding and acknowledging Martial Artist nationally and internationally for their contribution to the Martial Arts Science.  On top of his many talents, he enjoyed hobbies such as reading, fishing, bowling, cycling, swimming, breeding German Shepherds and spending time with family.  He will be remembered for all the loving memories and fun times during the holidays and family gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles R. Nixon Jr.; grandfather, Thomas Smart; grandmother, Leola E. Smart.

Dr. Nixon leaves to treasure his memories his lovely wife, Cynthia Nixon of 43 years;  sons, Carl (Cristina) Lane Nixon, Antwaun (Tammy) Nixon and Jule (Haniyyah) Nixon; brother Berkeley Nixon; sister, Beverly Williams; grandchildren; Cynthia, Tre`Von, Carl, De’Jah, Chase, JuLonnah, A’Shonti, Michael, Josiah, Journey, and Samori; great-granddaughter, Isabella;  brothers-in-law, Lewis (Brenda) Brown and Dennis (Cynthia) Baker; sister-in-law, Denise (James) White, Linda Brown, and Marcia (Ron) Robinson; special friends, John Bennett and Henry Oliver, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.