Wright Tracy Dixon

Wright Tracy Dixon, Jr. son of Wright Tracy and Marion Jefferson Homes Dixon passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 22, 2014. He was born on October 7, 1921 in Raleigh. Wright attended Sewanee Military Academy and graduated from Broughton High School. He enrolled at Duke University, and like so many of his age; he had his college education interrupted by World War II. Wright volunteered for service in the US Marine Corps. He qualified for and graduated from OTC at Quantico, VA as a second lieutenant. As a bomb disposal officer, he was stationed for his wartime service on the island of Guam and the surrounding areas in the Pacific Theater. After the Japanese surrender, Wright spent the remainder of his service overseas in China.

After the war, he returned to his undergraduate studies and subsequently graduated from Duke University. He moved to Rutherfordton, NC where he worked in a family owned lumber business. Anxious to begin his legal education, he enrolled at Wake Forest Law School and soon thereafter transferred and completed his legal education at UNC. While in law school, a fraternity brother of his, Roy Smart, arranged for Wright to go on a blind date with Elizabeth Prince Nufer of Goldsboro. Soon thereafter they were married and enjoyed his law school education together. They were married for 60 years until Prince died in September 2010.

Wright was a lifelong Christian with a strong faith. He was an original member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh and served in many capacities there. He was a member of the vestry, serving as both Junior and Senior Warden, and he also sang in the choir. Many will remember him as a long time acolyte trainer with an acute eye for detail and a penchant for holding his acolytes to a high standard. Wright, as well as others in the church, was instrumental in procuring the funds for and having the pipe organ installed at the church. He was one of many members, who in serving the Lord, were instrumental in the establishment and growth of St Michael’s Episcopal Church.

Wright had a long and distinguished career as an attorney. Upon his return to Raleigh after law school and a short term as a sole practitioner in the practice of law, Wright joined Ruffin Bailey in 1956 to form what is now the law firm of Bailey & Dixon. In one early display of courtroom skills, Dixon observed the jury refusing to look at his client after returning from deliberations. Before the judge could question the jury about their unfavorable verdict against his client, Wright jumped to his feet and moved for a voluntary dismissal. Subsequently, the General Assembly stopped any other lawyer from using Wright's quick thinking by outlawing the practice.

Wright Dixon's career highlights a further commitment to professional service as president of both the Wake County Bar and North Carolina State Bar. He was awarded the Joseph Branch Professionalism Award by the Wake County Bar Association and the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award by the North Carolina State Bar Association.

Perhaps his most significant contribution to the practice of law in North Carolina happened when he became president of the State Bar during a period of ethical controversy. Upon becoming State Bar President, he faced a particularly challenging task. Previously in the year, several North Carolina attorneys confessed to embezzling or mishandling more than $1 million of clients' funds, potentially tarnishing all lawyers' reputations. Through newspapers, radio and television, Dixon informed the public about the State Bar's client security fund, established by an annual fifty-dollar attorney fee, to reimburse the victims of embezzlement by lawyers. By publicizing State Bar disciplinary actions taken against lawyers who violated the public's trust and state laws, Dixon demonstrated to both lawyers and clients that complaints were taken seriously. One of Raleigh's trial lawyers, Roger W. Smith, summarized fellow litigator Wright Dixon as, "...a man of great moral courage. I've never seen him intimidated by anyone or any task."

As a great believer in being a part of one’s community, Wright enjoyed being a Raleigh Jaycee and a member of the Kiwanis Club, serving for 50 years. He had the priviledge of serving as president of both. In 1983 he was voted Kiwanian of the Year. In 1985, Wright was recognized as a “Tarheel of the Week” by the News and Observer. Another activity which gave him pleasure was being a tutor/mentor. As such, he volunteered at Aldert Root School, where his children and grandchildren attended elementary school. In a professional capacity, he served on the Board of Adjustment for over 20 years, including a stint as chairman.

Wright was an early proponent of physical fitness and faithfully exercised with the “Youth and Beauty” program at NC State for many years. Starting at age 50 on a dare, he ,with other members of the “Will Turner Hiking Club,” began what became their annual trek on the Appalachian Trail. Over the years, they covered the trail from the southern terminus to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Golf and tennis games including mixed doubles with Prince, were weekly events for many years. His favorite indoor sport was dancing, and he was a much sought after dance partner.

Wright’s many activities were too numerous to mention, but it is hard not to mention some highlights: singing Barbershop Quartet music, authoring two historical fictional novels, taking piano lessons in his 70s with Betty White, and participating in the Old Raleigh Boys Club are a few of them.

He is survived by his children: Wright Tracy Dixon, III, William Nufer Dixon and wife Elizabeth Patteson, Prince Dixon Witt and husband Roy Michael; eight grandchildren, Wright Tracy Dixon, IV, James Stevens Dixon, William Nufer Dixon, Jr., Richard Patteson Dixon, James Wright Dixon, Margaret Edmundson Dixon of Raleigh and Roy Michael Witt, Jr. and Wright Dixon Witt of Charlotte. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Dixon Hogue and predeceased by his brother Ben Franklin Dixon, III

Wright, or “GrandWright” as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, was an exceptional and loving dad and family man. He always made a great effort to enthusiastically attend any sport or event in which his children or grandchildren participated. Home featured a dirt backyard, a neighborhood gathering place that Wright justified by saying, “ I am growing children not grass.” We would like to thank our father for teaching us many life skills including: how to: read a map, measure twice and cut once, ride an ocean wave, “watch the ball”, tie our shoes the “Marine Corps way,” and fit a nap into your day.

The family wishes to especially thank Jackie Satterwhite who served as a dedicated caregiver and friend. She appreciated his sense of humor and enjoyment of life and greatly enriched his final years. In addition we so appreciate Ricky and Regina Williams for their loving assistance. Finally the family would like to thank the caregivers of the Stewart Health Center at Springmoor for their kindness and dedicated service to our dad, especially Karen, Karen, and Marty.

Following a family burial at 12pm at Oakwood Cemetery a celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday November 25th at St Michael’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Raleigh Rescue Mission, PO Box 27391, Raleigh, NC 27611.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC 27605.

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