From Augusta to Antarctica: Dick and Kathleen Reynolds Live the Lock-and-Leave Life at Brandon Wilde
After 54 years of marriage, countless adventures across continents, and a lifetime of academic and professional success, Dick and Kathleen Reynolds have found a home that gives them the freedom to keep exploring. At Brandon Wilde, the premier Life Plan Community in Evans, Georgia, the Reynoldses have embraced a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle that lets them continue doing what they love most: traveling, learning, and building connections.
A Life of Global Perspective
Kathleen, who was born in China and raised in Hong Kong, met Dick while studying at Indiana University. The couple married in 1971 and embarked on a life full of international adventure—from living in Germany and France to traveling extensively throughout Europe and Asia.
They both worked at Indiana University—Dick as a Budget Analyst and Systems Manager, and Kathleen in Environmental Health and Safety—before relocating to Augusta in 1987 for a new opportunity at the Savannah River Site.
“We loved our time in Bloomington,” Kathleen recalls, “but the move to Georgia made sense for our careers and our family.” Their daughters grew up in Augusta, and today, the Reynoldses frequently visit them in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio. Now retired, they spend nearly five months each year on the road or visiting family, while Brandon Wilde remains their home base.
Choosing Brandon Wilde
It wasn’t love at first sight—at least not initially. “We studiously avoided Brandon Wilde, thinking it was out of our budget,” Dick admits. “But when we finally accepted a lunch invitation and walked through the doors, we couldn’t believe we had overlooked it for so long. It felt like a college campus—friendly people, smiling faces, and energy everywhere.”
The couple moved into Brandon Wilde in 2017, shortly after Kathleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis sparked a proactive search for a place that could offer both support and independence. “It was a precautionary move,” Dick explains, “but it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.”
They were drawn to the community not only for its vibrant and welcoming lifestyle, but also for the full continuum of care the Life Plan Community provides. “It’s a relief to know that we’ll never have to move again,” says Kathleen. “That security is comforting—not just for us, but also for our daughters.”
Another key advantage has been the community’s on-site therapy services. Kathleen receives regular physical, occupational, and speech therapies—all tailored to help her maintain her independence. “I don’t have to leave the building to get the care I need,” she says. “It’s convenient, consistent, and the Therapists are wonderful. These sessions help me maintain my mobility, my strength, and my voice—and they help me keep doing the things I love.”
Lock, Leave, and Live Fully
With their lock-and-leave lifestyle, the Reynoldses have peace of mind when they travel. “It’s like having a condo in the city,” Dick says. “We pack the car, lock the door, and go. We trust the staff completely, and if something comes up, they’re just a phone call away. We can ask them to do the housekeeping and check in on our home while we’re gone. We don’t need to worry about anything at all and can simply enjoy our time with the kids or our vacation.”
Their recent adventures include a 73-day Viking cruise from Milwaukee to Antarctica, and they’re already eyeing a Mississippi River cruise from St. Paul to New Orleans. “We used to fly all over the world,” Dick says, “but now we opt for cruises and road trips—they’re easier to manage and still so fulfilling.”
Staying Active, Staying Connected
At Brandon Wilde, Kathleen is active in the Bible study group and the resident choir. Dick plays pickleball and ping-pong, having loved racquet sports since childhood. They both enjoy the intellectually stimulating Great Decisions lecture series as a couple.
“Brandon Wilde gives us freedom and support,” Kathleen explains. “There are social events, intellectual programs, delicious meals, and a sense of community. It’s like being in college again, but better.”
And during difficult times—like the devastation from Hurricane Helene—the Reynoldses say the Brandon Wilde staff proved just how dedicated they are. “Everyone stepped up,” says Dick. “Even the Executive Director was out collecting debris. You can’t ask for more than that.”
From their international roots to their adventures on land and sea, Dick and Kathleen Reynolds embody the spirit of lifelong curiosity and connection. And thanks to Brandon Wilde, their next chapter is just as exciting—and just as secure—as all those that came before.
Learn More About Brandon Wilde
If you’re curious about what life at Brandon Wilde could look like for you or a loved one, we invite you to come see it firsthand. Call us today at 706-868-9800 or contact us to schedule a tour.