Edward Nichols Reynolds was born on December 24, 1944 in Sheffield, Alabama. He was the eldest of three sons to John Anderson Reynolds and Marie Scruggs of Hillsboro, Alabama. Growing up in this community, he was privileged to the history and lifestyle of his grandfather (Edward Doctor Reynolds) and his legacy as a locally respected entrepreneur, pioneer and vast landowner. Edward was affectionately called “Buddy” by everyone who knew him because of his loving, gentle, easy-going spirit. Edward was a bright and precocious child, so after graduating from his local elementary school, where his mother was a home economics teacher, his parents made the decision to send him to live with his cousin Delores and family to attend New Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida in order to broaden his educational preparedness for college. He studied at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, with a concentration in science and biology. In 1966 he also met his future wife, Mamie Louise Harvey, as a student there. They married in 1972 and remained lifelong partners. He was an apprentice of mortuary studies at the Reynolds Funeral Home in Decatur, Alabama. He later changed career direction and became a quality assurance specialist and manager for an internationally renowned printing company at its plant in Doraville, Georgia until his retirement in 2015.
Edward “Buddy” enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman and angler with an extensive collection of sporting equipment. He was a master griller and a connoisseur of food, art and music, as well as an Atlanta Falcons enthusiast. While he was reserved, he also had a great sense of humor, integrity and overall quality. Most of all, he was a family man who loved his wife and doted on his children. He was a proud grandfather and had an adoration for his extended family and lifelong friends. Edward preferred his home lifestyle over being any place else. He was a kind and gentle man who never met a stranger; he was a friend and loved by all that graced his presence.
Edward Reynolds made his final transition on April 25, 2024. His mother, father and brothers, John Homer and Luther Adolph, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Mamie Louise Harvey Reynolds; his daughter and son, Courtney Marie (Ambe) and Brendan Dane; and his grandchildren, Amber Nia Marie and Greyson Dallas.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carolyn Reynolds, Glenda Reynolds, Diana Harvey Johnson-Riley, Charles M. Harvey (Sharron), Val E. Harvey, Sr. (Judawn), Hubert Harvey (Carmen), and Reverend Michael E. Harvey (Rhonda); his devoted cousins Carl and Kendrick Scruggs, and Ednar Scruggs-Bolden; his nephews John Kelvin and Reginald Reynolds; a lifelong friend Jesse Swoopes; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, extended family and friends.
The Viewing will be Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Murray Brothers Funeral Home located at 1199 Utoy Springs Rd, SW-Atlanta, GA 30331. The Celebration of Life Service will be noon Monday, May 13, 2024 at Impact Church located at 2323 Sylvan Rd. East Point, GA 30344.
