William E. "Bill" Dixon, 86, of Severna Park, died of natural causes on March 24th, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born January 15, 1923 to Helen and Clair Dixon, he was the eldest of three sons. He was a bright and accomplished man with a generous heart and a gift for story-telling. His interests were horse racing, golf, sports, travel, reading and, most of all, his family and friends.

He was raised in Washington, DC and Annapolis, graduating from Annapolis High School in 1939 and the University of Maryland in 1943. Upon graduation, he completed the Officers Candidate School at Northwestern University and served in the US Navy as the skipper of an LCT in World War II in the Pacific theater.

After the war, he married Margaret Ann "Peggy" (Dudley) Dixon and received a law degree from the University of Maryland Law School. Bill and Peggy had five children, W. Dudley Dixon of Chester, Clair Dixon of Severna Park, Molly Merkert of Severna Park, Beth Connor of Ellicott City and John Dixon of Crownsville.

Mr. Dixon started the Monumental Title Company in 1952 and built the company into one of the largest title companies in the state. In addition to this business, he was a successful land developer, being instrumental in numerous projects throughout Anne Arundel County and the Baltimore area. One of his early projects was the completion of Chartwell Country Club, serving as its first president in 1961. He remained a member until his death and was very passionate about the club.

Through these activities, Bill became a well-respected expert in real estate law and land-use policies. While he was an accomplished businessman, he was perhaps most respected for his integrity and passion for helping others and treating people with fairness and dignity. He quickly became friends with everyone he met and found great joy in being able to help others achieve business success. He helped several prominent real estate entrepreneurs get started and remained close friends with them thereafter.

Mr. Dixon married Phyllis (Stewart Sachs) Dixon in 1978. Bill and Phyllis had one child together, Paula Dixon, who resides in Los Angeles, CA. During this period, Mr. Dixon retired from the title and real estate development businesses and turned his efforts towards horse racing. His thoroughbred racing interest, Mea Culpa Stables, holds the record for the most wins in the history of the Maryland Million. As he had done in his business career, Bill reveled in the many friendships and experiences he enjoyed through the horse racing industry.

Bill met Ann (Newlove) Dixon in 2001 and the couple was married soon thereafter. Bill and Ann continued Mr. Dixon's horse racing activities and focused on enjoying their combined families. Bill considered Ann's children, Hank Stewart of Chestnut Ridge, NY, Ray Stewart of Arnold, and Annie DePole of Severna Park, as his children and was never happier than when the entire family was gathered.

In addition to Ann and their 9 children, he is survived by his brother, Owen Dixon of Greensboro, twenty-one grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous loving nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, John C. Dixon.

Viewings will be held at Barranco and Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home in Severna Park on Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. A mass of celebration will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Severna Park at 11am on Friday, with a reception to follow. A private burial service will be held on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.