The 28-year-old deputy died early Monday. The previous night, Dixon and other law enforcement officers tried to stop a stolen car they believed had been involved in car break-ins and burglaries, authorities said.
After the stolen car crashed, Dixon chased 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, who was later charged with felony murder. Garcia Solis shot Dixon just below his ballistic vest as the two exchanged fire, Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said.
Sgt. Charles Hewell, who worked with Dixon that night, recalled the scene during the funeral. Hewell said he never heard Dixon scream or cry after the bullet struck. He remembers Dixon's calm demeanor.
"My brother held on and fought longer than he should have. That's just the fighter he was," Hewell said. "I miss you dearly, brother. I'm sorry I couldn't save you or do more for you."
Hundreds of people, at least half in uniform, attended Dixon's funeral. Couch opened with a Bible verse from John 15 about the love required to "lay down one's life for one's friend."
"Sunday night, Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon was a living embodiment of this verse and much more," Couch said.
A slideshow of photos gave a glimpse into Dixon's personal life while a singer performed "The Weight of the Badge." A selfie with fellow officers, blurry childhood photos and a snapshot of him holding an infant close to his chest flashed on video screens.
Dixon leaves behind a wife and two sons. Other family members, friends and fellow law enforcement spoke of Dixon's dedication to serving others, his Christian faith and his humor. His younger brother, Jeremy Dixon, spoke about the deputy as a hero.
"Blane loved his family. He loved his job," Jeremy Dixon said. "He was proud to put that badge on every day and serve his community."
The Rev. Thomas Jordan, Dixon's grandfather, also spoke at the funeral, saying Dixon "lived long enough to be loved, but not long enough."
CORRECTS THE SOURCE TO THE (GAINESVILLE) TIMES - Law enforcement from across the state of Georgia attend funeral services for fallen Hall County Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon, Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Free Chapel in Gainesville, Ga. Dixon was shot and killed Sunday night while pursuing suspects along Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville. The Times via AP Scott Rogers
Law Police from throughout the state line McEver Road as the funeral procession leaves following the funeral service for slain Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicolas Dixon at Free Chapel Worship Center, Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Gainesville, Ga. Authorities said the 28-year-old Dixon was killed exchanging gunfire with people who crashed a stolen car Sunday night in Gainesville. The Hall County Sheriff's Office charged 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, who authorities identified as the shooter, with felony murder. Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Bob Andres
The funeral caisson departs the church following the funeral service of slain Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicolas Dixon at Free Chapel Worship Center, Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Gainesville, Ga. Authorities said the 28-year-old Dixon was killed exchanging gunfire with people who crashed a stolen car Sunday night in Gainesville. The Hall County Sheriff's Office charged 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, who authorities identified as the shooter, with felony murder. Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Bob Andres
Hall County Sheriff's Deputies arrive for the funeral service of slain Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicolas Dixon at Free Chapel Worship Center, Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Gainesville, Ga. Authorities said the 28-year-old Dixon was killed exchanging gunfire with people who crashed a stolen car Sunday night in Gainesville. The Hall County Sheriff's Office charged 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, who authorities identified as the shooter, with felony murder. Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Bob Andres
An Honor Guard of members from various police departments throughout Georgia salute as family members of slain Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Nicolas Dixon enter the church for a funeral service at Free Chapel Worship Center, Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Gainesville, Ga. Authorities said the 28-year-old Dixon was killed exchanging gunfire with people who crashed a stolen car Sunday night in Gainesville. The Hall County Sheriff's Office charged 17-year-old Hector Garcia Solis, who authorities identified as the shooter, with felony murder. Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP Bob Andres
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