Tributes have been paid to a former leader of Staffordshire County Council who dedicated his life to community service.

Terry Dix, who led the county council from 2001 to 2007 during its Labour administration, died on Tuesday (November 16), aged 83.

He served as Mayor of Tamworth in 1980 before being elected to Staffordshire County Council in 1981 to serve the Watling division. He was a county councillor for 28 years, as well as chairman from 2007 to 2009, and was appointed as an Honorary Alderman afterwards in recognition of his service.

This week county councillors past and present from across the chamber paid tribute to Mr Dix, who is survived by wife Patricia, four children and many grandchildren. During his working life he was a draftsman at Swish Products in Tamworth.

Former county council cabinet member Susan Woodward said: "Terry's passing marks the end of an era. He was so encouraging and supportive of me when I first joined the county council in 2005 and gave me the chance to prove myself by offering me a cabinet post at the beginning of 2006.

"He was a big man in every way – a big personality, a big heart and a huge passion for this county and for Tamworth in particular. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and send my sincere condolences to Pat and his family."

Fellow former county councillor Steven Norman said: "I had heard of Terry Dix long before I was involved in politics in Staffordshire. He seemed to have been around forever.

"His record will stand at the County Council and I know he will be missed by many."

Current Labour group leader Charlotte Atkins, who worked alongside Mr Dix when she was Staffordshire Moorlands' MP, said: "He was a giant within the Labour Party. He led the county council for many years and during the last full council meeting we were praising him because he had received an award from Germany for his ongoing work with the twinning of Tamworth.

"He dedicated his life to public service and was involved in his local community even when he stood back from the county council. He was a lifelong socialist who wanted to give back to his community.

"He was always very welcoming, enthusiastic and always there as the face of the county council."

Current Conservative county council leader Alan White said: "We're all devastated with the sad news on the death of Councillor Dix.

"Terry achieved many great things for Staffordshire as a county councillor and as leader of the council. He was passionate about his role as a councillor, always doing what was needed for the residents of Tamworth.

"Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Terry's family at this sad time."

County councillor Ian Parry, cabinet member for finance and resources, said Mr Dix would be remembered as a major figure in the history of the authority.

Speaking at Wednesday's cabinet meeting he added: "He was incredibly likeable as a leader and he was almost impossible to land a punch on politically because he was such a decent man, such a fair and friendly personality.

"I never saw him become aggressive or angry. Yes, he would become frustrated and make his points, but he was always very tolerant, very understanding and very inclusive.

"I remember first being elected 24 years ago and meeting Terry Dix for the first time – before you are elected you hear about these impressive people in the council who have held positions of power for a long time and you think they're going to be mighty and lofty. Terry wasn't like that, he was a very friendly, approachable and personable person.

"The things he has done for this county and the achievements he has made are innumerable. He was a terrific personality, a great politician and leader of the council – not of our political persuasion of course but that doesn't matter – and he will be missed by us as politicians, family, friends and the community who all loved him."

Mr Dix was recently awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany – the German equivalent of the OBE – in recognition of his work to help establish Tamworth's twinning with Bad Laasphe in the 1980s, as well as his interest in peace, reconciliation and understanding.

He also was involved with the Cannock Chase Military Cemetery, which is the resting place of 5,000 fallen soldiers including many from Germany and Austria, and helped to arrange visits for young people from Bremen to tend the graves alongside British youngsters.

His support for the Royal British Legion was recognised in the charity's centenary awards. He was chairman of the Two Gates and Wilnecote District Branch for many years and helped organise Remembrance and Battle of Britain parades.