Breckenridge Texan

George Herbert Reynolds passed away at his residence Thursday evening, August 27, 2020. A graveside service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at the Breckenridge Cemetery with Don Nelson officiating. The family will welcome friends at a visitation from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, in the Melton-Kitchens Chapel of Memories.

George Reynolds was born on June 17, 1932, in Albany, Texas, to parents James and Cleo Reynolds.

He was “Papa George.” He even introduced himself as such because he had never met a stranger. His contagious smile and gentle demeanor made you feel like you were his. Man, woman, child, friend, neighbor, customer, it didn’t matter — he was always Papa George.

Papa George lacked nothing when it came to work ethic and because of that, he was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He could do anything from making fresh donuts to building a prize-winning birdhouse. He spent countless hours in his woodworking shop. And he could also play a mean harmonica. Every June, for years, he and his sisters organized and hosted family reunions, where an entire weekend was filled with family, laughter, and the sound of that harmonica. He played it like no one else ever will.

He was an avid gardener. He offered fresh produce grown straight from his garden on Walker Street where many Breckenridge residents came to know and love him. It was his passion. It was a way he could serve and feed others, and that was something he was extremely proud of. He was definitely one of the only 88-year-old men you’d find with a Facebook page, but being able to communicate with his family and friends was vital to him — so he taught himself how to do so. His entire page was flooded by one profound message over and over: “You never fail until you stop trying.”

Papa George wasn’t rich by the world’s definition, but one thing is for certain… he gave generously from his lack. Always! He loved the Lord, he loved his family, he loved his friends… and he never stopped trying.

The family would like to extend a deeply heartfelt THANK YOU to his son, Tony Reynolds, for the years of 24/7 care he gave to Papa. Thank you for giving of yourself even when it wasn’t asked of you or seen on this earth. Papa was able to live contently in his home until his last breath because of your loyalty and devotion.

George was preceded in death by his parents, as well as sisters Marie Loggains and Shirley Ruddock.

He is survived by daughters Beverly Monds of Azle, Tecas, and Janice Lynch of Port Monmouth, N.J.; sons Tony Reynolds of Breckenridge, James Reynolds of Breckenridge, and Bruce Reynolds of Fort Worth; sister Louise Saxton of Wichita Falls; as well as 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Donations in memory of Papa George can be made to Meals on Wheel and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.

You never fail until you stop trying.