Thomas A. Reynolds

1934 - 2025

Thomas A. Reynolds was born March 11, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA to Albert N. and Catherine Simpson Reynolds and raised in Clearfield, PA along with his brother Frank Simpson Reynolds. He told stories of an idyllic childhood. Tom was educated at Salisbury School, Dartmouth (BA), University of Pittsburgh School of Law (JD) and Columbia University School of Law (LLM). At Dartmouth, Tom greatly enjoyed his brothers in Theta Delta Chi.

Tom had a varied and distinguished legal career including serving as Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan under Frank Hogan, practicing law with several prestigious firms while utilizing his specialization in maritime law, and capping his career as Professor of Law at the University of Memphis Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law. Tom was an admired colleague, and his scholarly contributions included multiple editions ofTennessee workers' compensation: practice and procedure. In his youth, Tom served as an ordinary seaman as a member of the Seafarers International Union and greatly enjoyed his travels to exotic ports. He and Virginia later traveled together to destinations ranging from Alaska and the Canadian Maritimes to China, South Africa, Peru, the Galápagos Islands, Australia and New Zealand. He always had funny tales to share from his adventures.

Tom was known for his quick wit, intelligence and kindness as well as for his strong competitive nature. He loved sports, winning a New England region ping-pong championship as an undergraduate and later excelling at racquetball, which he enjoyed into his 80s. Each spring he limed a regulation badminton court in the backyard and challenged his and neighborhood children to best him. Alas, Tom did not support the practice of letting children win and they rarely if ever did. That being said, he was a wonderful father.

Tom possessed encyclopedic knowledge of sports: players, history and rules. He was a dedicated fan of the Steelers, the Pirates and every other Pittsburgh team. After joining the faculty at U of M, he supported the Tigers teams through highs and lows.

Survived by wife Virginia, children David (Ibis), Susan (Russ) and Beth (Patrick Bowen). along with grandchildren Peter Brennen Reynolds and Ella Catharine Bowen and Thomas Gilmer Bowen.

Tom died peacefully on November 4, 2025.