Wana Joe McReynolds

Wana Joe (W.J.) McReynolds, locally known as Didiwaw and affectionately known to his grandkids and great grandkids as DidiPaw, passed away on July 12, 2024. He was born on February 22, 1938, in Avinger, Texas. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Thomas Wana and Linnie Shockley and was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Colvin. He graduated from Avinger High School in 1957 and attended Technical School at Lamar College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and as an Army reservist.
He was a talented carpenter, millwright, and loved working with his hands. He began his career building, installing and repairing radio towers, and eventually worked at Lone Star Steel up until his retirement in 1998. After his retirement, he worked on home projects and if anyone ever drove by the house, they could spot him in his self-built workshop working on his latest idea or tending his garden. He loved growing the basics but was especially proud of his giant sunflowers.
As a family man, he was married to his wonderful wife, Barbara, just shy of 65 years. During this cherished time, they had three sons, Danny, Michael, and Joe. This led to six grandsons, two granddaughters, two great-grandsons and six great-granddaughters. In his younger days, he enjoyed coaching the PeeWee and Little League baseball teams in Avinger. Throughout his life, he attended as many Indian basketball games as his work schedule would allow. Lately he enjoyed his great-grandson's baseball games.
Wana was deeply involved with the local Hickory Hill Masonic Lodge #156 and had received his 50 year pin in November 2023.
Funeral services for Mr. Wana Joe McReynolds, age 86, of Avinger, Texas, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs, with Dr. Warren Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Avinger Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation with the family from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
The pallbearers are his grandchildren: Michael Lloyd McReynolds II, Victoria McReynolds Downs, Christopher McReynolds, William McReynolds, Kaleb McReynolds, and Nicholas McReynolds.
In lieu of flowers, "Didi" would have wanted you to contribute to either the Shriner's Hospital for Children or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.