A HIGHLY DECORATED ARMY AVIATOR WHO SERVED IN TWO DIFFERENT CONFLICTS HAS LOST HIS LIFE IN SUCH AN UNEXPECTED WAY, HIS FAMILY IS LEFT SHOCKED.(PHOTO).

 A highly decorated Army aviator who served in two different conflicts has lost his life in such an unexpected way, his family is left shocked.

68-year-old Melvin Dixon was enjoying an afternoon walk with his young grandson around his property in Geneva County, Alabama, on Tuesday, July 14th, when death came out of nowhere to claim him.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. as Melvin leisurely strolled along with his grandson, a large limb suddenly broke from an oak tree in his yard and plummeted directly onto Melvin.

Melvin was pinned to the ground by the large limb. A frantic rescue operation was initiated by family and neighbors while simultaneously calling 911.

Melvin's neighbor ran to his home and retrieved a jack, which he used to lift the limb off of Melvin. Family members were able to drag Melvin free as the weight was lifted from him.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone present, Melvin was pronounced deceased on scene.

The random nature of this incident has left both the family and community as a whole shocked by the abruptness in which life can completely be changed seemingly out of the clear blue sky.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Melvin Dixon. May he rest in peace. He is remembered as an expert Apache helicopter pilot, as well as a great man. He served for over 20 years.