Maggie Valley, Joseph "Eddie" Nix, 73, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 15, 2020, while visiting with his beloved son and family vacationing in Maggie Valley.

Eddie was born December 2, 1946 in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia.  He was the oldest child of the late Earl and Lena Nix.  

After graduation, Eddie honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  Following an honorable discharge, he returned to Georgia where he entered an extensive career with the Cobb County Police Department.  Eddie obtained an undergraduate degree from Kennesaw University, Kennesaw, Georgia, as well as a Master’s Degree from Georgia State University in Criminal Justice.  He retired with the distinguished title of Captain.  After his retirement from law enforcement, Eddie was employed as an Investigator with the State of Georgia Professional Standards Commission, from which he retired in 2013.  In 2014, Eddie established residence in Waynesville.   

Eddie was a volunteer with the Cataloochee Elk Bugle Core and a member of the Elk’s Club in Waynesville, North Carolina.  He greatly enjoyed watching college football, always cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.  Eddie thought highly with great appreciation of his close neighbors and friends in the Waynesville community.  He was a kind, simple man, spending his life helping others, serving his God.  

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Nix; nephew, Adam Nix; and a cherished father-in-law Charles McLane.

Eddie is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Debra Lynne McLane Nix; three sons, Mike Nix, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Bryan Nix, of Marietta, Georgia, and Rocky Moore, of Alpharetta, Georgia; three brothers; Ronnie Nix, of Dahlonega, Georgia, Chris Nix, of Marietta, Georgia, and Robert Nix, of Smyrna, Georgia.  He treasured times spent with his eight grandchildren, Mason, Laura Beth, Thomas, Emily, Cooper, Ruby, Wesley and William.

Eddie’s remains will be spread throughout his grandparent’s farm in Dahlonega, Georgia, at a later date.  

The care of Eddie has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes.