Daniel Reynolds, Jr.

Daniel Reynolds Jr.

June 3, 1934 – September 29, 2017

Daniel Reynolds, Jr. came into this world in the great city of New Bern, North Carolina, on June 3, 1934, out of the womb of Ruby Ann Kinsey Reynolds and Father Daniel Reynolds Sr.He passed to Heaven on September 29, 2017.  His failing health resulted from the onset of an abdominal dissected aorta.  Early that morning, God came for him, as he peacefully slept.

Dan’s early childhood was spent in the New Bern, NC with five brother siblings and a sister.  It was seven of us altogether.  His sister, Gladys was next to the youngest.  Dan graduated from West Street High school in New Bern.  During high school, Dan was considered a scholarly football athlete.  He was offered a football scholarship to attend college.  Later on some years, he collected on that offer.  But unfortunately, it didn’t work so well in the beginning.  He sustained an injury that prevented him from carrying out his anticipated football goals.

Most people call him Dan.  The family called him, “Jr.” but his sister, Gladys called him Daniel.  That’s what he was to me.  He was Daniel, like Daniel in the bible.  Daniel grew up pretty poor.  There was not always enough food to eat for everybody.  If you weren’t at the table during meal time, you didn’t get to eat.

Daniel lost his father early on.  His mother, Ruby was left to raise seven children all by herself.  Since Daniel was the oldest, he was expected to look after the family.  He was left with few options during that time.  He could barely take care of himself, and had no resources to care for his family.  He made a wise decision to enlist in the United States Air Force, which was in year 1955.  Daniel honorably retired as TSSGT after 23 plus years of service.  He made Layton, Utah his home with his now deceased wife, Tomie Fujii Reynolds.  Daniel was smart and intelligent.  While stationed in Japan, he learned to speak Japanese fluently.  He knew many subject areas.  He would with vigor pursue new knowledge.  He loved to debate and argue a point.  He could argue you down to the ground and won most of the time.

Daniel earned his Bachelor’s degree at Weber State College, majoring in photography.  Since the pursuit of knowledge was something that he loved; gardening was one of his past times.  The ROSE was his favorite flower.  He had a yard full of them.  The best grass in the neighborhood was in Daniel’s yard.

Daniel was a gifted piano musician.  This was his true to heart legacy.  He could play just about any type of music.  But, his most beloved was church music.  Daniel was a member of True Vine Baptist Church, whom Rev. Lamar Jackson is the presiding pastor.  He shared his musical talents as their pianist for many years.  Daniel loved the Bible.  He knew scripture very well.  He studied God’s word on a regular basis.  As seemed year life’s end, God chose to keep him a little while longer.  It was six months after that critical diagnosis.  Over this period, so much joy was brought to his life.  Many came to see him at the Heritage Park Care Center; from neighbors, pastoral and deaconess ministries, bible sharing moments with ministries, member from his church, and of course his sister Gladys Brown, and brother-in-law Robert Brown of Virginia, whom were devoted to his well-being.

Daniel had no children; He leaves behind to mourn, his brothers, Alphonso Reynolds, New Bern, NC, Charles Reynolds, Leroy Reynolds and wife Gwen Reynolds of Raleigh, NC, Donald Reynolds, and his sister Gladys Brown, Robert Brown of Virginia and their daughter Kharya L. Brown, of Massachusetts and many other relatives.  He also leaves a host of special friends from the Neighborhood, namely, Whitney, Mark and Jeanette Lomax, who looks after the yard during his absence.  We are so grateful for their support; and also our appreciation and gratitude to Sister Frankie Draidfort, Sister Shirley Lacey and Mateo Lacey of True Vine Baptist Church, who stuck by Dan to the day of his passing.  And there were other too in the neighborhood, which extended their support.

Daniel, you no longer have to cry and ask, why? God has heard your call, but it was only in his time that he would take you in his arms.  You are now at peace. Sleep my brother.  You will be missed dearly.  May the musical bells play and a rose be placed at your feet, as you enter the pearly gates of Heaven.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 9, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.  Friends may visit with family from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment will take place Tuesday October 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Elston Daniels officiating.