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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

William H. Reynolds

William H. “Bill” Reynolds, 91, born in Madison, NC. September 12, 1934, died peacefully on March 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, strength, and determination.

Bill was defined by dedication—to his family, his work- with strong values instilled in him at an early age. Known for his steady, calm, and dependable presence he carried himself with humility and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew and worked with him. A true Southern Gentleman.

Bill graduated from Madison High School in ‘52 where he excelled in academics, basketball, and football. As the quarterback on the Football Team, his coach, Raymond “Coach” Cure mentored Bill, which began the change in the trajectory of Bill’s life when he attended the University of Richmond majoring in Economics on a scholarship playing football.

Bill excelled as a student, was in the ROTC. Bill met Lee on a random chance encounter when Bill began his charming pursuit of Lee. Lee brought spontaneity and adventure to Bill. Bill brought stability and security to Lee.

While Bill served in the Army, Bill and Lee married in Richmond and began their life together. Bill was hired by the Dupont Company and Scott was born and they moved to Midlothian, VA. and they enjoyed their early years there as a family.

Bill’s job moved him to the Dupont Corporate Headquarters in Delaware after Kendal was born and the family moved to Chadds Ford, PA. Later, a career opportunity for Bill transferred the family to Geneva, Switzerland. In the community of Pinchat, the family travelled extensively and made lifelong Swiss family and friends. Bill learned a pinch of French with his notable southern accent where merci was “mercy” for him. Bill could never have imagined his career would lead to such rewarding and life-expand-experiences for his family.

After Bill’s career moved the family back to Chadds Ford and Bill retired at 57 as a Director of Human Resources. At 82, Bill retired a second time after years as a Business Consultant to small companies, worked on the Pennsbury Township Planning Commission and later became a Pennsbury Township Supervisor where Bill was pivotal in securing an open-space 56-acre community park in Pennsbury and the park is dedicated in his name.

The family spent every summer vacationing in Avalon, NJ. Bill enjoyed fishing in his boat over the years, trolling for fish in the back bay and in deep water. He taught the young kids how to put bait on lines and catch crabs off the pilings. Bill and Lee enjoyed Cape May sunsets with friends and many dock parties with neighbors who are our extended family. Bill’s most favored past-time was sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch with Lee enjoying conversation with his favorite neighbors, reminiscing with Jack W, his longest friendships, 85 years ago from 1st Grade1st Grade and Shirley C, whom Bill and Lee met over 70 years ago along with Eric C.

Given any opportunity to talk to young people on the precipice of college or career choices, Bill was an active listener, strategic problem solver and never accepted anything at face value. He was inquisitive and wanted to learn about anyone he engaged with. He often counseled, offered guidance, shared his wise keen intellect to support friends and family during transitional times in their lives, all with the goal of improving one’s life situation and meeting personal goals. At times these were gentle conversations and other times, these could be strong pushes.

When Jamie, daughter-in-law and son-in-law Colin joined his family, Bill continued to demonstrate that his love came with welcoming fatherly wisdom, gentle humor, unwavering support and loyalty, and these were all gifts he gave freely. This continued, with his grandchildren, Lyndsey, and Jay, whom he had immense pride in.

Bill’s life, decisions, and shared discussions exemplified the principles he believed in. He saw the best in people and wanted to do what he could to help them achieve it. He embodied “you can do anything you put your mind to” and he left every person and place better than when he found them.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian “Lee” C. Reynolds, Awilda (Mother) and Joseph Reynolds (Father), Sisters Caroline Alley, (James), and Josephine Reynolds. Bill is survived by his son Christopher Scott Reynolds (Jamie), daughter Kendal L. Reynolds (Colin), grandchildren Lyndsey R. Landrum (Don), Jamison, “Jay” Reynolds. Nieces and nephews, Ben Alley (Wendy), Charlotte McNamara, (Jamie) Mark Alley (Brad), Angel Kiser Bourne (David) April Awilda Kiser (Baron), and their beautiful children and grandchildren. Caregivers Robin S, Noemi G. and Jacqueline B. became family and we are forever grateful for the care and friendship that allowed Bill to live in his home in Avalon and Pennsylvania. His legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Funeral Services

A visitation will be held on April 12, 2026, at Chandler Funeral Home in Wilmington, DE at 1:00 pm. A service will follow at 2:00pm.

Burial will be held on April 18th, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Woodland Cemetery, Madison, NC.

 

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to:

Friends of Avalon Fire Department

Ref: in honor of Bill and Lee Reynolds

PO Box 361

Avalon, NJ 08202

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Condolences

    Mandy Murtagh Brown lit a candle and writes,
    A gentle soul who will be greatly missed. He was a very rare human being whose presence brought me personally immediate peace. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. My thoughts go to the love he had for Lee. I know they are together again. Mandy
    03/30/2026 12:49 pm
    Christian Dubugnon lit a candle and writes,
    Toutes nos sincères condoléances 💐 depuis la Suisse, Nous sommes en pensées avec vous dans ces douloureux moments. Amicalement Christian et Sophie
    03/30/2026 01:13 pm
    Christopher Dyckman and Susan Scotto lit a candle and writes,
    Bill was a gentleman through and through. He was full of grace, humor, charm, and strength. Our world is better because of him. Each of us should be as loved as Bill is, and deserving of such love.
    03/30/2026 01:38 pm
    Amy Hetrick lit a candle and writes,
    Bill was such a gentle soul with a warm smile. I am grateful to have known him. He will be missed.
    03/30/2026 05:47 pm
    Roger and Linda Garrison lit a candle and writes,
    Kendal and Family, we are sorry for the loss of your Dad and recently your Mom as well. Bill was a wonderful man. We found him to be generous in his kindness, consideration of others and thoughtfulness. Nothing seemed able to shake is love and dedication towards those he held close. His devotion to Lee to the very end was an example of unconditional love. We have only honor and respect in our hearts for Bill and Lee. They will be dearly missed.
    03/30/2026 05:59 pm
    Adam Doherty lit a candle and writes,
    Always enjoyed long talks with your father. Definitely a true Southern Gentleman!
    03/30/2026 07:12 pm
    JACK WEBSTER, JR. lit a candle and writes,
    Bill and I became good friends when we entered the first grade together in September, 1940 in Madison, North Carolina. We remained good friends for 85 years, I will always consider Bill Reynolds as one of my best oldest friend. I join with his home town community in sending our deepest condolences to his family. I will give a short eulogy at his burial, and If I am able will play taps at the end of the ceremony. There were five of us who started together in the first grade, Leon Tucker who was a classmate and football player with Bill at Richmond, Lee Anglin, Stafford Stevens. I am the only survivor. I know that they are waiting for me to join them. Bill was our 1952 Madison High School class president. I was the vice president. Bill was our leader and always will be. Jack
    03/30/2026 10:26 pm
    Penny Farley lit a candle and writes,
    So very sorry for your loss, Kendal. Your dear father will forever live in your heart and guide you moving forward. Keep the faith, my dear.
    03/31/2026 10:08 am
    Bueche-Schuler writes,
    Cher famille Reynolds nos meilleures condoléances depuis la Suisse et plus particulièrement Pinchat lieux très cher à votre cœur … nous sommes près de vous en pensées Catherine et Etienne
    03/31/2026 10:15 am
    jack webster writes,
    I first met Bill when we entered the first grade in 1940 and we became very good friends. Our friendship lasted 85 years. Bill was a very gifted athlete and excelled in academy, too. He was our Class President in our senior year at Madison High School. There were five of us who started in our class in 1940, Leon Tucker, Stafford Stevens, Lee Anglin, Bill and Jack. All were very good athletes. I was not. However, I was a better swimmer, I taught them how to ride my horse, and I always beat them in horseshoes. Bill was and always will be our leader. Bill, Leon, Lee, Stafford are waiting for me. I will join them soon. I want to thank Scott and Kendall for bring their father home. I join with the Madison community in sending our deepest condolences.
    03/31/2026 11:04 am
    Pat Sharp Vaughn lit a candle and writes,
    I am one of the few remaining members of the MHS Class of 1952. We entered our Freshmen Year with a total of 54... we were always a close knit group. Bill's (Billy, back then) leadership roll was a part of his character early on... He was great in sending out reminders to "us locals" that it was time start up plans for our Class Reunions, and we did!!! We enjoyed many of those over the years,, such special memories to look back on. Will miss you dear friend,,,(l will miss our telephone visits) just knowing you are no longer there in the physical sense makes me sad 😔, but trusting that you are present with the Lord brings me joy 🙏. Comfort and Peace to your Family
    03/31/2026 11:11 am

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