Paul Manuel Reynolds, Sr

Lifelong Lakeland, Florida resident Paul Manuel Reynolds, Sr., 86, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Lakeland Regional Medical Health Center.

Mr. Reynolds was born on June 28, 1936, to Fred and Geraldine Reynolds. He graduated in 1954 from Kathleen Senior High School where he was a guard and tackle for the Red Devils football team. He married Patricia Ann Bradley in 1955. They enjoyed almost 70 years of wedded bliss until his recent passing.

Mr. Reynolds was an instrument technician for W. R. Grace/Cargill in Bartow, FL for over 40 years. His co-workers gave him the nickname “Monk” in reference to his receding hairline. When others would remark about his diminishing hair, he would gently remind them that “Grass don’t grow on a busy street.” He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and his cows. He is best remembered for his award-winning cane syrup, a favorite yearly activity he long shared with his mother and father. Family and friends would visit the cane mill throughout the days as they ground, cooked, and poured up their homegrown cane syrup. There will be no mention of his exemplary barbecuing skills as it will only leave others jealous and saddened that they didn’t get any.

Through the years, Mr. Reynolds attended Gapway Baptist Church, Wesley Memorial Church where he served as an usher for many years, and most recently, Family Worship Center.

Mr. Reynolds is survived by his wife of 67 years Patricia Reynolds, son Alan (Susan) Reynolds, grandchildren Jessica (Cory) Perkins, Daniel (Tiffany) Burnham, Grant (Kelsey) Reynolds, Kaitlyn Reynolds, Alex Reynolds, six and a half great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter all of Lakeland, and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son Paul Manual Reynolds, Jr.

Paul Reynolds will best be remembered as a kindhearted friend, devoted husband, loving “Dad”, and adored “Papa”. His grandchildren will greatly miss (but happily carry on) his love of storytelling. He often regaled his grandchildren with tales of his own childhood. Tales of taunting his elders, mischievous adventures with his cousins, and daring escapades battling the dastardly squirrels and other rodents that invaded his garden and pecan trees. His anecdotes were often filled with dramatic sound effects. In one high energy retelling Mr. Reynolds invented the term “Fah-Koom-Boom!” which he insisted was the sound a firecracker makes when tossed into a gopher hole. It is reported that this extremely old gopher is still at large having escaped out a back way.

A Celebration of Life is planned in the future, but no date has been confirmed at this time.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the doctors and nurses in the Palliative Ward at LRMHC and the Grand Villa of Lakeland.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to the Lakeland Community Theatre. The family also asks that you share a kind word with a stranger, hug a loved one, tell a funny story, and warn the squirrels to stay out of Papa’s Garden.