Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Passed: February 02, 2021
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Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Passed: February 02, 2021
Obituary
Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds, December 12, 1924-February 2, 2021 Born near Clear Creek, Tennessee, he was the son of Louis Alcain and Lelia Mae Jones Reynolds. Shortly after graduating Clinton High School, he enlisted, and as a Morse Code master, despite his height, over 6′, he requested service in the US Navy, aboard a submarine “it had better food.” As part of the Greatest Generation, he served in WWII and the Korean War and later in life he was a proud member of local Sub Vets Perch Base and White Mountain Base. In 2016 he was selected for one of the last Honor Flights for WWII vets to Washington, DC. He also helped raise funds for the recently completed submarine memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
Upon return from Korea he joined family in Phoenix where he met the love of his life, Bea, on a blind date. They were married a few months later.
He began his career at the Arizona Republic/Phoenix Gazette taking classified ads and rose to Director of Advertising. He was a respected and well-liked colleague as any who knew him could attest. He retired after 35 years and moved with Bea to the White Mountains of Arizona where they built and ran Deer Springs Inn for many years. They forged countless new friendships over these years, enjoying time with their guests around the campfire. At age 75, he earned an Associates Degree from the local college. Lou and Bea eventually moved to Avondale to be near family.
Lou was committed to civic and professional engagement throughout his life and served on the board or volunteered for: Toastmasters, Optimist Club, Junior Achievement, Little League, Phoenix Little Theater, Love Kitchen, White Mountain Symphony, and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
He enjoyed golf, bowling, R&G baseball, hunting, fishing, horseshoes and cards. A lover of the mountains that reminded him of home, he and his brother Carl built a stone cabin from the hillside near Diamond Point, AZ, that their families shared for many years.
He has been involved with his church since boyhood most recently Christ Community UMC, Avondale, and in Show Low, White Mountain UMC, where he was asked to be a lay preacher.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Beulah Bea VanHise Reynolds; children, Amy, Stephen, and Patricia Schuler (Roy); grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Schuler; little sister, Ruby Csuy (Paul); many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Carl and Conda, and sister Ruth Kinsky.
Memorial service will take place February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Thompson’s Funeral Chapel, Goodyear, AZ, and will also be live-streamed for family and friends that have been provided with a link.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank or the Humane Society.
27 responses to Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Tom Reynolds says:
February 23, 2021
Bea, Amy, Patty, Steve
I have just fond memories of us growing up together playing and on occasion getting into trouble.Payson at diamond point, R&G ranch, Deer Springs, hiking in the woods sitting around campfire listening to all the stories. Sitting at dining room table watching Mom,Dad, Aunt Bea and uncle Lou playing cards, laughter, listening to their stories.
On a rare occasion dad letting take a sip of his beer, of course when mom was not looking. Uncle Lou will always be in my heart and prayers.
Always with fond memories and love.
Tom and Rosemary Reynolds
Eduardo Mendoza says:
February 23, 2021
I am so happy to have known Lou through his son Stephen. I enjoyed playing golf with him and always loved his positive attitude about everything. I am thankful that I got to see him just about a month ago and it was uplifting to me how happy he was. I know it was only a couple of times but I am grateful to have been lucky enough to have spent some time with him. I am certain God met him with his arms wide open.
Jack and Nancy Hampton says:
February 23, 2021
Our hearts and prayers will always be with you. We will miss Lou’s quiet personality.
Michelle & Patricia Wilson-Reynolds says:
February 23, 2021
Summers in Pinetop at Grandpa Carl and Grandma Elaine’s will always be a time my sister Melissa and I think back on with warm loving memories. Those warm summer days were only made better with a visit from Uncle Lou and Aunt Bea whose kindness and love will always be cherished. Our hearts and prayers are with Aunt Bea and all of our family in our collective loss.
Gary Staples says:
February 23, 2021
I became friends with Lou through church and going to some Sub Vets meetings with him. As a WWII subvet he had a perspective that few have. Being an active participant of capturing a Japanese sub and trying to find the family to return a priceless war memento shows how Lou was always trying to do the right thing. His knowledge from Tennessee to Arizona was amazing. After he retired from running the add division of the Arizona Republic; he and Bea took on a big project in Show Low. He was always volunteering to help others. I feel blessed for knowing him and Bea. His family was so lucky to have his wisdom, leadership, and love.