Johnny L. Reynolds, Sr.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Johnny L. Reynolds, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who departed this life on November 10, 2024, in Warner Robins, Georgia. Dad was stubborn yet dependable -- a homebody in the most reassuring way.

Born on April 23, 1945, in Opelika, Alabama, Dad moved on to Tampa during his high school years, then found his way to the Air Force. He spent 23 years in air traffic control, logistics, and training, including tours in Florida, Vietnam, Alaska, and Warner Robins. Perhaps what made him most proud was his stint as one of the crucial replacement controllers at Atlanta Hartsfield during the civilian air traffic controllers’ strike of 1981.

After his Air Force career, Dad managed various departments at Sears in Warner Robins, where he turned around the fortunes of the paint, automotive, and receiving departments.  With his wife, Brenda, he co-owned Byron Cleaners in Byron. Dad was nimble with an iron, often honoring customers’ requests for hand-pressed shirts.

Dad was private about his affairs and shied away from public recognition. On occasions when members of the public learned of his Air Force career, Dad would often hear the familiar “Thank you for your service.” He would minimize such recognition, however, reminding friendly strangers that his service was a daily job just like everyone else’s. Dad knew that even in a military town like ours, any job well done deserved honor.

Despite his discomfort with praise, Dad enjoyed having small audiences -- his family, grandchildren, coworkers, customers, and even the staff at Flash Foods or Dollar General, where he was a regular. Dad was a master of chit-chat and often put strangers at ease with his joking, self-effacing manner.

In his later years, and especially after Brenda’s death, Dad provided a home to a series of stray cats, all of whom were lucky to have stumbled upon such a doting owner.

Dad is remembered by his grieving children: John Reynolds, Angi Andrews, Elaine Evans, Scott Moore (Ashley), and Ryan Moore. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Sarah Andrews, Mary Andrews, Camille Evans, Jordan Evans, Caleb Evans, Kobe Arees, Aubree Cruthirds, and John Michael Gegogeine, and great-grandchildren Finn Evans and Carter Evans, all of whom will carry forward the lessons and love he imparted with such generosity.

Preceded in death by his devoted parents, Perry Allan Smith and Agnes Smith, and his beloved wife, Brenda Crowe Reynolds. He is also preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Deirdre Moore and his sister, Melissa Bach.

We will think of Dad every time we see a neighborhood cat, an old British roadster, a crisply-creased pair of pants, an airport control tower, or banana pudding at an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you are reading this and remember Johnny, put on a Beach Boys song or donate to a cat shelter. He’d like that.

The memorial service will be private.