A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JOSEPH ELdER REYNOLDS SR. OF CALHOUN FALLS AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph Elder Reynolds, Sr., on September 14, 2024, at the venerable age of 101; and

 

Whereas, born in Calhoun Falls, on January 4, 1923, he was the fifth of six children born to the late Reverend Spearman and Mrs. Grace Ware Reynolds; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds graduated from Abbeville County Training School in 1941, Allen University in 1948, and Columbia University in 1956. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for three years before starting his career in education; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds began as a high school English teacher in Elberton, Georgia, and later taught fifth grade at Carver Middle School. His exceptional leadership and dedication to his profession quickly led to his promotion as principal of Carver School, a position he held from 1952 to 1972; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds played a crucial role in the successful integration of Carver Middle School in 1972, ensuring a smooth transition for students, teachers, and parents. Under his guidance, the school achieved accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and

 

Whereas, in 1984, the Abbeville County Board of Commissioners decided to close Carver Middle School, and Mr. Reynolds was appointed as the principal of Due West Elementary School, where he served grades K-6; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Reynolds was a charter member of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Allen University, the Rho Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, and a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also served on the Abbeville County School Board of Commissioners for twenty-two years and received numerous awards, including the GLE Erskine College Honorary Alumni Award and The Order of the Silver Crescent Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017; and

 

Whereas, above all, Mr. Reynolds was a devout member of Mt. Lebanon AME Church in Due West, SC, where he dedicated many years to serving as a steward, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and Class Leader; and

 

Whereas, he will be deeply missed by his wife of 68 years, Sylvenia Wardlaw Reynolds, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Reynolds was preceded in death by his siblings James O. Reynolds, Josephine R. Baskin, Edith R. Holmes, Sarah R. Calhoun, and Cornell Reynolds. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Joseph Elder Reynolds, Sr., of Calhoun Falls and the deepest sympathy be extended to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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