Thomas Orlan Reynolds, also known as Tommy, passed away on November 10, 2023, at the age of 68 in Palacios, Texas. Tommy was born on October 25, 1955, in Searcy, Arkansas.  He is survived by many family members.  Tommy was a devoted and proud husband to Betty Reynolds, a fun-loving father to three children, Hillary Reynolds (Stacy), Rachel Rozner (Blake) and Thomas Reynolds.  Tommy was a spectacular son to Orlan Reynolds, brother to Mary Ann Franklin (Eddie), Orene Willis, LaDonna Sue Walker (Rory), Billy Wayne and Ronnie Vann and Brother-in-Law to Phyllis Brooks (Ned).  Tommy had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Devin and daughters Anastasia and Kynleigh, Kayla, Ashley, Raegan and daughter Ella, Clairabelle, Ethan, Ryken, Owen, Stacy Linn, Jaylon, Eriel, Grayson, Robert, Lena, and nephews Carson, and Cade.

Tommy was preceded in death by his mother Sarah Ann Reynolds, brother John Paul Reynolds, Mother-in-Law Barbara Cunningham, Brothers-in-Law Larry Willis and John Cunningham, nephews Marshall Franklin and Brandon Walker, along with cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tommy had a fulfilling career, serving in various roles throughout his life. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1979. After his military service, he worked for Pepsi, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Bay City Independent School District, and Palacios Independent School District.

While working for TDCJ, Tommy was very passionate about his work with The Heart of Texas Foundation and their prison ministry.  After retiring from TDCJ, toward the end of his career, Tommy felt very fulfilled in his role as a special education teacher for Bay City ISD and as a school bus driver for Palacios ISD.

In his free time, Tommy was actively involved in his church, the First Baptist Church of Palacios. He went on a mission trip to the Philippines. Tommy served in various capacities within his church, including as a cameraman and as a member and chairman of multiple committees. He found joy in mowing his yard and considered it therapeutic. Tommy also enjoyed giving his grandchildren and great grandchildren "free rides" on the tractor to explore the property and pick pears and dewberries, and sometimes they took rides for no good reason at all!  In the last four years Tommy has taken great joy in playing Santa for families and friends at local businesses, daycare centers, schools and even Splashway waterpark.

Tommy's educational journey includes being a proud graduate of the 1974 class of Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, TX.  Tommy decided to further his studies starting with WCJC in his mid 40's and later graduated from The University of Houston Downtown.  He then went on to receive his masters degree in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University.

The Celebration of Life for Tommy Reynolds will be held at the First Baptist Church in Palacios, Texas at 10 am on Saturday, November 18th, 2023. Contributions in his memory can be made to the First Baptist Church of Palacios.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the CVICU nurses, doctors, technicians, and housekeeping at HCA Hospital at the Medical Center in Downtown Houston along with the Edna Volunteer Fire Department and EMS staff.  Their work and tireless efforts with our Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother in Christ and friend will always be more appreciated than words could ever express.  We would also like to thank the compassionate staff at Taylor Brothers who are assisting the family with the arrangements.