Charles Raymond Reynolds

A true love story never gets old and neither do the life stories of those who influence others. Charles Reynolds was a man of great character and integrity. He loved just as he lived…open and honest.

Charles Raymond Reynolds was born July 25, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas to James Clark and Byrta Mae Bankston Reynolds. His family soon moved to Beaumont, Texas where Charles spent his formative years growing up with his much older sister (13 months) Betty Rae.

Although his childhood was full of adventures, when he was just 19 years old, he lost his dad, therefore, his young years quickly turned into adulthood. Charles knew his continued education would play a vital role in his success and he was very dedicated to his studies. He attended Lamar University and Sam Houston State University before settling in at Stephen F. Austin State University. Not long after his arrival in Nacogdoches he noticed a beautiful 1958 Oldsmobile Super 88. However, the car was not the only thing that caught his eye. The stunningly gorgeous young woman with ash blonde hair driving the car was what he could not get out of his mind. Charles and Goldie Bailey officially met at The Sub – SFA's college student hangout, where Goldie was working the door. She has always said his Cajun accent was luring but his good looks and charm was the reason she agreed to dance with him. It only took Charles 2 months to know for sure that he had found the love of his life and luckily, Goldie felt the same way. However, a botched engagement sent them all over Nacogdoches as they hunted down her ring (taken as a prank by his dorm mates) and after several frantic hours, lots of laughs and a beautiful engagement ring to go with the proposal, she said yes! The two were married in Beaumont a short 9 months after their initial meeting, but their love has been strong enough to hold together, something that is rare these days.

Charles was deeply enthusiastic about his career in animal pharmaceuticals, and he excelled in every aspect of it. He worked hard to build a life for his family which eventually included their children, Bailey, Bradley and Bridget.

He and Goldie were immensely proud of their children, the families they created and the accomplishments they achieved. When blessed with grandchildren, their hearts could not have been more joyous than being surrounded by those precious young ones. Watching the family grow and prosper is every parent's dream and that is exactly what filled their hearts with pride.

They enjoyed countless travels with friends through the years, including trips to Greece and all over Europe but the Santorini Islands were by far their favorite and most enchanting place to visit. In 1999, Charles met his vision of retirement and was ready for time spent with his best friend and the love of his life. Together, they purchased property and began timber management because complete retirement was not busy enough for Charles. They built the house they had always dreamed of at Deadwood. They certainly loved their unique little cabin in the woods, just as they had planned.

At the end of life, the one thing that matters most is the legacy you leave behind. That legacy was established many years ago and included three important things in life…. unconditional love, treasured family and most importantly, complete dedication to Jesus Christ. Proudly, Charles and Goldie have accomplished these and passed the significance of them to their children and grandchildren. Their beautiful story, including the hardships, will forever be one worth telling.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Goldie Bailey Reynolds. He is also survived by daughter Bridget Arrant (Bret), Hudson Arrant (Kelsey), Rowan Arrant and Britton Arrant; Son Bradley Reynolds (Paige), Caroline Johnson (Brian), James Reynolds and Victoria Reynolds; Son Bailey Reynolds (Susan), Winston Reynolds (Kelsey), Reagan Reynolds (Alix) and four great-grandchildren; Sister Betty Rae Britton and Sisters-in-Law Barbara Deitz and Arminda Hopkins along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge Charles' faithful and loving caregivers, Sharon Culpepper, Veronica Mell, Dr. Vijay Pokala and staff, Dr. Jonathon Polk and Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital.

A public graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park with a Celebration of Life following at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches, officiated by Rev. Lorraine Brown and Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Monday, August 25, 2025, at First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches.