Dr. William E. Reynolds Ph.D.

YORK Dr. William Edmund Reynolds, Ph.D., 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at Manor Care South. He was the husband of Ellen (Wirtz) Counts Reynolds with whom he celebrated 12 years of marriage in September 2014. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2014, from 12 to 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Homegoing Service at 1 p.m. at Cathedral of Praise and Worship, 886 Prospect St., York 17403. Pastors Thomas R. Counts, Jr. and Tony W. Counts, Sr. will officiate. Dr. Reynolds was born June 22, 1938, in Andrews, N.C., son of the late Hazel N. (Powers) and William M. Reynolds. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Jewel McCorkle Reynolds, and his sister, Sue West. In addition to his wife, Dr. Reynolds is survived by his sons, William (Eddie) Reynolds and wife, Angela, and Tony Reynolds, all of North Carolina; daughters with his wife, Jewel, Dale Ray, and Sharon Coley and husband, Dan, all of North Carolina; children of his wife, Ellen, Sharon Lowery and husband, Dana, Thomas R. Counts, Jr. and wife, Linda, Vicki Sanderlin and husband, Sonny, and Tony Counts, Sr. and wife, Naomi, all of York; grandchildren, Rachel Reynolds Harris and husband, Josh, Leah Reynolds Kelly, Jessica Reynolds-Bautista Alvarado and husband, all of North Carolina, Ashley Shireh and companion, Rusty Lincolnton of North Carolina, Ronnie Godbey and wife, Kelly of Texas, Jamie Ray and wife, Heather of North Carolina, Danielle Counts, Zachariah, and Christian Lowery, Alexi and Ya'Layna Sanderlin, and Tony Jr. and Thomas Counts; great-grandchildren, Elayna and Noah Harris, Trevor and Taylor Shireh, and Jackson and Julianna Godbey; and sisters, Sandy Hickman and Reba Conell. He is greatly missed by his puppy companion, "Baby Doc". Dr. Reynolds served in the U.S. Army with a tour to France, He was a sworn Chaplain for many Sheriff's Departments in Tennessee and North Carolina. He was an Honorary Kentucky Kernel. In his younger years he traveled and sang Gospel music with his sons, Eddie and Tony. He was the Grand Chaplain for the Gospel Music World Premier held in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. His love and passion for over 40 years was for Emmanuel Baptist University, located in Hickory, N.C. He was Founder and President of the school and there were over 10,000 graduates in various areas of Ministry. Dr. Reynolds loved the ministry and was a pastor for more than 50 years. He traveled many times to minister in Jamaica and Haiti. Most recently, prior to retiring due to illness, he was the Pastor of Oakland Church, Freeland, Md. Dr. Reynolds was a devoted husband, loving Dad and Granddad, true friend, mentor, and faithful servant to God and ministry. He had an unending thirst for knowledge, learning, and educating people to prepare for ministry. It was not unusual for him to entertain visitors and nursing staff by singing them a song about Jesus. He greeted his son Eddie by saying "There's my Eddie rabbit" and Eddie would reply "There's my Daddy rabbit". He would visit his son Tony for his special fried oyster dinners. He had a way of making everyone around him feel special and loved. He was a true Southern Gentleman and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by every person he ever met throughout his life. He will be remembered for his southern charm, wavy white hair, white suits, and his shiny gold cross. The family would like to acknowledge, honor, and thank his dear friend, Rene Dubell, for being such a devoted friend and for visiting him without fail. Also, his cancer specialist and staff of Cancer Care of York, surgeon and nursing staff at York Hospital Critical ICU, his favorite CNA at Manor Care Kingston Court, and the administrative and nursing staff of the Bethany Unit at Manor Care South. He will live forever in our hearts. He has received his greatest healing...to be in the presence of the Lord. John W. Keffer Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt. Rose Ave., York, is in charge of arrangements. KefferFH.com