In 1968, he began teaching at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont in both dance and music departments. In 1973, he established the Black Music Division, a performance-and-theory curriculum of his own devising.
He is survived by his daughter, Claudia Dixon of Phoenix, Arizona; William R. Dixon II of New York City; two grandchildren; and his long-time partner, Sharon Vogel.
In the 1950s, he was a raising a family and working during the day as a secretary at the United Nations in New York City.
In 1951, he formed a quartet with Cecil Taylor, bassist Wilbur Ware, and saxophonist Archie Shepp.
After the war, he returned to New York City and studied music at the Hartnett Conservatory.
In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in Germany during the end of World War II.
He was an avid painter and artist throughout his entire life.