Obituary of George E. Reynolds
Age 73, of Shorewood, IL, passed from this life on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He was born on December 29, 1946 to the late Lois Marie (nee Simpson) and George Morris Reynolds in Chicago, IL where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of Mendel High School with the class of 1964.
He is the beloved husband of 54 years to Phylis (nee Lander) Reynolds; loving father of Christopher(Tracey) Reynolds, Jamie (Jennifer) Reynolds and Julie (Erik) Jenkins; proud and devoted “papa” of Devan, Trent, Lillian, and Colin; dear brother of Thomas “Wimmer” Reynolds; and was a loving uncle and cousin.
In his youth, Skip played Little League and High School baseball and excelled as a pitcher, which took him to the semi-pro level. He enthusiastically shared his experience, skills, and love of the game with his brother and all of his children. After high school, Skip began his career in the printing industry with RR Donnelley, where he worked as a Customer Service Rep until he retired from RRD in 2003. He also served in the U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard.
Throughout Skip's 40-year career at RRD, he developed life-long friendships with cherished colleagues and business associates. He took great pride in his work ethic and relationships. He enjoyed playing 16" softball and bowling in the RRD leagues. After retiring from RRD, he enjoyed working at Bass Pro in Las Vegas where he quickly became the #1 salesman selling boats in the desert.
Skip was head over heels in love with his childhood sweetheart, Phylis. His children and grandchildren were also the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of his kind spirit, passion for sports (notably the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks), love of holidays and family BBQs, and zest for life will live on through them. Skip was an avid family man sharing many of the same traits (and blunders) as Clark W. Griswold, such as almost sinking his brand new fishing boat (twice) or driving away from the house with the boat trailer still chained to the gas meter. He enjoyed family road trips towing a pop-up camper across the country, until he and Phylis purchased a cottage in Sister Lakes, Michigan.
Throughout his life Skip was able to use his excellent handyman skills. He designed and built various home improvements projects such as decks, sheds, gazebos and finished basements. He never hesitated to help a friend or family member with a project or side job.
Skip also formed life-long friendships with many of their neighbors throughout their lives and home moves. He liked to make others laugh and was always up for a prank. Such as the time he decided to water his lawn using his neighbor’s sprinkler, or the time he switched his neighbor’s steaks for hot dogs.
For over 50 years, Skip organized an annual fishing trip to Northern Minnesota, with the last trip being this past June where he spent a week on a houseboat with all of his kids and grandkids on Crane Lake, MN. His second-best catch of his life, much to the chagrin of his wife, is a 51" muskie that he proudly displayed in his computer room.
In retirement, Skip enjoyed cooking, growing tomatoes in the garden, feeding the birds in his backyard, fishing, and also "finding the fishies" at his weekly poker games at the community lodge. There was nothing Skip liked better than an interesting conversation with a good friend or family member. Skip could have an engaging conversation with anyone, even the cashier at the grocery store. He is probably sharing a story or two right now with the angels.
“A golden heart stopped beating, your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us he only takes the best.”
Due to the current conditions and restrictions, visitation for Skip Reynolds will be held privately at the
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet. The Reynolds family has requested Skip’s services be live-streamed beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Please click on the link https://youtu.be/sRY6FWc97II and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
Interment will take place at a later date. Flowers and/or memorial contributions to The American Diabetes Association in Skip’s honor are all welcome.
