Flag displayed at state's Capitol in honor of ABC13 photojournalist Willie Dixon Jr.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Its been one year since the passing of our dear friend and colleague Willie L. Dixon Jr. who died unexpectedly at 52 years old.

Remembering beloved ABC13 Photojournalist Willie Dixon

ABC13, along with Texas officials, honored Dixon's legacy with a flag display at the State Capitol in Austin. The flag was flown over the Capitol Sunday afternoon.

A resolution was also introduced on the House floor and officially filed with the State of Texas in his honor.

Last year, Mayor Sylvester Turner officially decreed April 25 as 'Willie L. Dixon Jr Day' in Houston.

Willie was a veteran photojournalist who worked at ABC13 for 13 years. Although he was not in front of the camera, the stories that he captured behind the lens were compelling and became apart of Houston history.

"Willie [Jay] loved to bring joy to other people, and it wasn't just his wife and children that he enjoyed bringing a smile to," his family said. "Whether it was going to a friend's son's basketball game, dropping off lunch to a pregnant co-worker, surprising a neighbor family with a cookie cake, or texting an old friend 'Happy Birthday', Jay always found time to give happiness to others."

Willie L. Dixon Jr. was born on July 8, 1967 in Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from Alabama State University, where he played trombone in the ASU Hornet Marching Band.

Dixon covered Super Bowls, the Houston Texans, the Astros and the Rockets. He also covered world events including the 2013 papal conclave in Rome.

Dixon is remembered for his warm smile, enthusiastic character and contagious laugh that brought happiness to those around him.