Bishop “Papa” Willie Lee Reynolds, age 86 of Patrick Springs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 16, 2023. He was born in Patrick County on May 5, 1937, to the late Roosevelt Reynolds and Ellen Cobb Reynolds. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Tatum Reynolds; one son, Robert Reynolds; two grandchildren, Anthony Jevon Reynolds, Stephanie Chanel Reynolds; three great grandchildren, Seven Garnes, Hope Garnes, Dayshaun Garnes; one sister, Frances Clanton; and six brothers, Bishop James, Theodore, Oscar, Loir, Moir, and David Reynolds. Papa Willie drove a school bus with the Patrick County School System for over 49 years. He was the founder of True Gospel Holiness Church in Martinsville.
Surviving are five daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and George Penn, Becky and Calvin Helms, Gracie Hagwood, Judy Reynolds all of Patrick Springs, Betty Tatum of Stuart; five sons and daughters-in-law, Willie and Gail Reynolds, Jr. of Patrick Springs, Leander and Linda Reynolds of Spencer, Emmanuel and Tammy Reynolds of Martinsville, Lonnie Reynolds of Stuart, Kenneth Reynolds of Spencer; 30 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Thelma Hairston, Virginia Mattox both of Stuart; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM at True Gospel Holiness Church with Elder Frank Tatum officiating, and Pastor Leander Reynolds eulogizing. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A wake will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
