Garden Centre Group pays tribute to Mr Dixon, who had worked at the Croydon Purley Way Garden Centre for more than 20 years before recently passing away.
62-year old Mr Dixon, who was plant manager at the garden centre, died suddenly of a heart attack earlier this month.

Garden Centre Group chief executive Nicholas Marshall said: "John, or JD to his friends, was a much loved and respected member of the team at Croydon Purley Way Garden Centre. He touched so many lives during his 20 years working at the garden centre and helped to make it what it is today.

"The father-of-four and grandfather-of-seven, who previously worked for Kennedys Garden Centres, was truly dedicated to his job. He had a passion for hanging baskets and planters and he would often be found making these up for regular customers late into the night."

In his youth, Mr Dixon was an accomplished footballer and cricketer, playing cricket at county level. During his time at Croydon Purley Way Garden Centre, he organised several cricket matches against the centre's concession outlets and took great pride in winning.

Mr Marshall continued: "His competitive side also came across at work too, where he would compare sales figures against rival garden centres. I don't think there was a single member of staff John worked with who hasn't taken inspiration from him. He made a great impression on everyone he met, from customers to buyers and suppliers.

"I remember him with great affection. John had the ability to even put chief executive officers firmly in their place in a very charming way. I'm sure that everyone, both customers and staff alike, will miss him terribly."

The funeral service for Mr Dixon will be held at Beckenham Crematorium on Elmers End Road in Beckenham on Thursday, October 13 at 3pm. Flowers may be sent to J & R Killick, 112, High Street, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0ND.