Mary Dixon Reynolds

Thoroughbred enthusiast Mary Dixon Reynolds, 64, passed away on January 2, 2025, at home in Greensboro, NC. She had an unparalleled passion for horse racing, and her love for horses was truly inspiring. In her youth, she was an accomplished equestrian and won many ribbons on her horses, Brandywine and ShahAman. Out of the saddle, she was a determined advocate for her beloved horses, playing a large part in saving the thoroughbred, Wake Forest, who now enjoys retired life at Old Friends Home in Lexington, KY. She also avidly followed and loved Rachel Alexander, Zenyatta, Gun Runner, and California Chrome, to name a few. Over the past ten years, Mary Dixon’s writing was printed in publications including Blood Horse, Trainer Magazine, and Past the Wire. Her talent as a writer was exceptional, capturing the beauty, strength, and spirit of these magnificent animals. Through her words, she brought the world of horse racing to life, sharing the deep connection to the sport and the horses she adored. Her legacy will live on in the stories she told and the hearts she touched.

Mary Dixon was born in Reidsville, NC, on June 1, 1960, to Mildred Payne Reynolds (1923-2018) and Dr. Ernest Harold Reynolds (1903-1997). Dr. Reynolds was a beloved physician in Reidsville for over fifty years.

Mary Dixon attended Reidsville High School ('78), went on to attend UNC Chapel Hill, and later completed her degree in psychology at Guilford College in Greensboro.

She is survived by her partner of eighteen years, James Edward Reckard, of Greensboro, NC; her brother, Mark Payne Reynolds (Mary Davis Reynolds) of Boone, NC, and Key Largo, FL; two nieces, Madison Kay Reynolds of Charlotte, NC, and Marley Payne Reynolds of Charleston, SC; and half siblings Ernest H. Reynolds, Jr.( Linda Reynolds) of Black Mountain, NC and Anne Sayers of Weaverville, NC. 

She was a friend to many but maintained longtime friendships with her best friends, Mary Lib Moore of Florida, and Karen Villareal of Greensboro, NC.

Mary Dixon also loved and doted on her pet cats, fostering and adopting many over the years.

Visitation will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville, NC, from 5-7 P.M., on January 17th. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Madison, NC, at 11 a.m. on January 18th. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved father.