Morganton resident Reynolds recognized for public service

Morganton resident Derrick Reynolds, a 1993 recipient of the N.C. Governor’s Volunteer Award, recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary working in the state Department of Adult Correction focusing on drug, alcohol, and chemical dependency programs.

A graduate of the Governor’s Academy for Prevention Professionals and an avid community volunteer, Reynolds has for decades been engaged in area programs supporting residents.

In 1985, Reynolds was a cofounder of the first Narcotic Anonymous meeting in Catawba County and in 1993 he served on the board of directors of Strive Pathway to Possible assisting people battling substance abuse.

From 1991-95, Reynolds worked at the Catawba Council on Alcohol, becoming the first African American at the facility serving as a substance abuse counselor and leading group and individual sessions, drug screen assessments, aftercare planning, intervention, and hospital and detox placement.

From 2005-08, he served as a board member for Burke Recovery, based in Morganton.

In 2002, Reynolds helped build five Habitat for Humanity homes.

Reynolds was a key organizer in 2024 in bringing the first and second Narcotics Anonymous Convention to the Catawba Valley area.

Reynolds has played with the Senior Drummers of Charlotte, performing in area churches, schools, colleges. reunions, Juneteenth events, and with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

For 32 years Reynolds has led community-focused groups and Veterans Affairs meetings at the Morning Star First Baptist Church in Hickory.

Reynolds and his wife, Evelyn Dixon, live in Morganton.