After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Reynolds began his career
selling books in 1951 at Whittemore’s in Boston. During the ensuing
decades, Reynolds sold Bibles for J.B. Lippincott, Holman Bible
Publishers and Broadman-Holman.
On retiring from Broadman-Holman,
Reynolds worked part-time as a volunteer in the Bible department of
Valley Book and Bible Stores in Van Nuys, Calif., according to Gospel
Light Marketing Manager David Wilke, whose family owned the stores from
1952-2009.
After some health issues, Reynolds left the store, but
worked as a chaplain at his church visiting shut-ins, led Bible studies
in Los Angeles County jails and distributed Gideon Bibles. Reynolds
“never said no to any request to serve the Lord,” Wilke told Christian
Retailing. “He was the most positive person I have ever met. He prayed
with everyone he sold a Bible to.”
CBA Executive Director Curtis
Riskey added: “He took his work as a Christian retailer as a holy
calling, and he found great joy in connecting people to God’s Word. His
ministry work outside of the store transformed many lives, and his
personal concern and prayers for CBA and people serving in the industry
were always insightful, encouraging and much welcomed.”
Reynolds is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and a brother.
