Billie Jean Wheeler Reynolds

CHATHAM Billie Jean Wheeler Reynolds died peacefully on April 23, 2018. She is survived by her three daughters, Elizabeth (John Berkeyheiser, Anne Randall and Cabel) Mary (Mitch Cox, Mamie Gray), and Jean; her siblings, Joyce Hoskins and Jim Wheeler (Lois); her cousins whom she considered siblings, Larry Bailey (Margaret) and Carolyn Lemmond (Leo), and so many other dear friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Barrow Wheeler and Mamie Connor Wheeler; and her husband of 33 years, Randall Oscar Reynolds. Billie was born on June 4, 1934, in Ewing, Va. She graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 1953 with a degree in Biology and later did her graduate work at the University of Tennessee. She moved to Gretna, Virginia, where she lived with her dear friends William and Elva Scott and taught PE and coached basketball for Gretna High School. This was where she met Randall, the love of her life, and they were married in 1963. Billie was a devoted wife and mother and was loved and respected by all who met her. She was a huge support for Randall as she worked for him in his office (not her favorite job!) and traveled with him throughout the state as he served in the Virginia House of Delegates. She was a successful business woman, opening Piedmont Finance in 1972 and growing it to three offices. She was honored to serve as the president of the Virginia Financial Services Association. Billie was passionate about teaching and education; she one of the founders of Woodlawn Academy and was extremely devoted that small school as well as to Chatham Hall, her devotion evidenced by her service of several terms on both Boards of Trustees. She also loved politics and Chatham, serving as its mayor. In her spare time Billie was an avid golfer and loved traveling and spending time at the lake with her grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018, 2 p.m. at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends on Friday, Apirl 27, 2018, from 5 until 8 p.m. at their home at 241 Peach Street and again on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the church. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel Episcopal Church or to Chatham Hall.