Richard Winford Reynolds

Richard W. Reynolds was born on March 4, 1950 in Greenville, SC and passed away January 7, 2026 in Oak Island, NC. He was predeceased by his parents, Otis Leroy Reynolds and Margaret Clayton Reynolds, and his brother Roy Reynolds. Surviving his death was his wife Deborah Reynolds of 53 years, their son Paul and wife Ashley Reynolds, sister-in-law Debbie Reynolds, brother Rex and wife Sue Reynolds, sister Rita and husband Gerald Carter. Richard known as Rick by his family and friends, moved with his family to Travelers Rest SC when he was 5 years old. Rick was a self made man from humble beginnings. He went to work when he was only 13 years old at Batson’s Grocery in Travelers Rest. He graduated in 1968 and joined the Air Force serving a four year term. He married Deborah Jones in 1972 and they spent his last year of service together in San Antonio Texas then moved back to Greenville, South Carolina. After service, Rick went back to cutting meat as he had in high school for a while and later had quite a few jobs and some trial openings of businesses along the way. Rick soon realized he was destined to be his own boss but just didn’t have the details worked out yet. His son Paul was born in 1975 and will always be his and Debbie’s greatest gift and their pride and joy. Then providing for his family, he was still searching so he went back to school to study property and casualty insurance while he worked at State Farm Insurance in Greenville. When Paul graduated from high school, Rick and Debbie moved to Myrtle Beach SC since it was their dream to live at the coast. There Rick worked at another State Farm Office then Waccamaw Insurance until an opportunity presented itself and he was able to purchase Beach Insurance Agency in Myrtle Beach. The business was successful for many years. He was a fair and generous employer, often helping out employees with business and personal issues. Rick eventually sold the business when he finally decided to retire. Rick and Debbie purchased and renovated an old beach house in Oak Island, NC. This was their life long dream and was made possible by Rick’s entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, perseverance. Rick also had a passion for old cars but lacking the necessary skills to fix them up, he always depended on friends or family help him out. This meant so much to him especially during his retirement years. Rick was a loving, devoted and supportive father and husband. As a friend, he was always there offering support in any way he could. He also contributed to a select few charities and organizations. Rick’s generosity wasn’t publicly acknowledged or known by most. He helped when he could because he knew the struggle all too well. He did it because he cared. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.