Robert Earl Reynolds

Mr. Robert Earl Reynolds Mr. Robert “Bob” Reynolds stands tall in death, as he did in life. His physical presence alone commanded deep respect and he was known throughout the Eugene-Springfield community. Quite simply, Mr. Reynolds had a big heart and was always giving. He believed in helping others, giving to those in need, and he took great pride in providing for his large extended family. As he would often say, “if you see someone in need, you reach out to them. You help them.” Born on Sept. 21, 1938 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Mr. Robert Reynolds was the third of twelve siblings. At the age of four, he moved to Prineville, Oregon where his father sought work on the railroad. He grew up without running water and with a quarter-operated refrigerator, learning from an early age the value of a dollar from his hard-working parents. Bob attended elementary, middle and high school in Eugene, Oregon where he was known for his stand-out athletic talent. As a black athlete, however, he could not play on the varsity team so he left South Eugene High School and joined the Airforce, an opportunity that allowed him to provide for his family and further his education. Bob worked as an electrician and took great pride in his work, retiring from Pacific NW Bell in 1989. He understood and always acknowledged and respected the shoulders he stood on in order to accomplish the milestones in his life that were unattainable for his parents. Bob married Lois Stubbs on March 14, 1956 and they were just shy of celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary when he passed on October 20th at the age of 81. Lois and Bob had nine amazing children (Reynolds9Strong) and family was their most important focus. Bob was no doubt a strict father and (neighborhood father :-) everyone in the house knew to be home before the street lights turned off. Only the boys would try and test him on this house rule. He wanted the best for his children, as reflected in so many ways. One memory as the kids were young, he would make sure each of them had a Sunday School offering; and they better not spend it at the store. He also meticulously ironed their varsity athletic uniforms before every game. Bob taught his children that there is nothing more important in life than your word and your name. One of his proudest moments was to see his children receive opportunities denied to him, including playing collegiate athletics. Bob’s mother, Mattie Reynolds was a matriarch in St. Marks’ CME and so he was brought up in the church where he even sang in the choir as a child. At the end of his life, his journey came full circle and he returned to his spiritual roots. He would pray nightly with his wife, Lois, and one of his most meaningful gifts was the way he prayed for and with his children and grandchildren. “Big Bob”(as he was affectionately known) was often spotted driving around town in his Cadillac with the plates that read BOB. He had a big sweet tooth. He loved Baskin Robbins Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream, See’s Candies, cookies, cake and knew good and well he didn’t need to be eating it. He was known for his sharp dress, having spit-shined shoes and well-pressed clothes. Even in his later years, he insisted on having his jeans and jean jackets pressed at the cleaners. For fun, Bob loved to play dominoes and he was a frequent visitor at the local casinos where luck was often in his favor. A respected man, a pillar of the community and a strong foundation for his family, Bob was a strong, proud and a good man. He is loved and will be dearly missed by many. Robert is preceded in death by his parents Sam Reynolds Sr. and Mattie Reynolds his siblings: Sam Reynolds Jr, Lottie Smith, Thaddest Reynolds and Verda May Reynolds Granddaughters: Allania Yarber and Anniyah Reynolds Taea Bolden Niece/Nephew: Tonja Parker, Cynthia Mosley, Paul Stubbs and Ja’Mone Stubbs He is survived by his loving wife Lois Evelyn Reynolds, children: Robert Quentin Scott Reynolds (Natalie Reynolds) Audrey Elaine Holt (Billy Holt) Neil Austin Reynolds (Julie Reynolds) Pat Jerome Reynolds (Paula Reynolds) Keith Duane Reynolds (Christie Reynolds) Kimberly Anne James (Mark James) Janice Lorraine Reynolds Morse (Anthony Morse) Rebecca Louise Reynolds-Bolden (Dennis Bolden) Deborah Kaye Lange (Eric Lange); his sisters: Lyllye Reynolds Parker, Deloris Reynolds Wilson, Lynda Reynolds Kemp, and LeVirsie Reynolds, and his brothers: Edward Jerome Reynolds, Eddie B. Reynolds, and Ernest Gilmore Reynolds. A visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2019 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Lane Memorial Gardens. Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 am Bethel Temple Faith Ministries, 2170 West 18th Street, Eugene OR 97405. Please send flowers to Musgroves Lane Memorial Gardens. Please send donations to Bethel Temple Faith Ministries. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.