Mr. Chester Lee Reynolds

"Home is where the heart is." For me, home was the heart. On July 16, 1956, in the heart of summer in Waterford, Mississippi, I was born to Chester Curly and Maggie Lee Reynolds. I was the youngest of four brothers: Richard 'Ralph', Gene Autry, and James Earl. My grandmother, in her wisdom, insisted that I be named after my father. It's a blessing that, as I grew older, people would often say I looked just like him-though I'd argue, it was in more ways than just my appearance. My father, a God-fearing man, a loving father, and a hard worker, was my role model. While he may not have had earthly riches, he was rich in love for his family, and I aspired to live by the same principles. For me, family was everything. It was the foundation of my life, and I carried that belief with me throughout my journey. As I ventured away from Mississippi and into adulthood, my sense of family and community shaped me into the man I became. It was there I earned the nickname "Bone," affectionately given to me by many who saw me as a son, brother, uncle, and friend. But my greatest role was that of father. On August 10, 1980, at 24 years old, my world changed forever when my son Darrell was born. It was one of the proudest days of my life. I made a promise to myself that, no matter the challenges life threw my way, I would pour into him the same love, character, and strength that my father had poured into me. And I can confidently say that we accomplished that together. But God wasn't finished with me yet. In 1985, I met the love of my life, Charlene Ivy. We didn't know it at the time, but our union would be the beginning of something beautiful. On July 3, 1993, we made the brave decision to leave Illinois and settle in Anniston, Alabama-a place that would become our forever home. On November 3, 1995, Charlene and I exchanged vows, dedicating our lives to each other in love and faith. Together, we created a blended family, welcoming Darrell, Travis, Cicely, and later Marcus into our lives. Our home became a sanctuary where love, laughter, and growth were the heartbeats of our family. One of the greatest joys of our new life in Alabama was being close to my parents in Mississippi. Saturdays would often find me driving back to Laws Hill, where I could see my father working in the field with his mule or my mother sewing on her machine or sitting with my Aunt on the porch snapping beans. Home-the place where my heart always longed to be. Though my parents transitioned to heaven in the spring of 2002, their love and legacy lived on in me. I promised to carry that legacy forward, continuing to be the husband, father, brother, and uncle they raised me to be. Home would always be the heart. Through the challenges and triumphs of the last fourteen years of my life, I remained grateful. I have been loved, and I've had the privilege of loving. I have smiled, and I've brought smiles to others. I have known joy, and I've shared that joy with countless others. Through it all, God has been faithful. As I leave this earthly life, I am at peace. To my beautiful wife Charlene, my sons Darrell, Travis, and Marcus, my daughter Cicely, my grandchildren and great-grandbaby, especially my special helpers Monatarrius, Jakarri, and Jakobi, my brothers, Gene, James, Abraham, Raymond (Linda), Kenny (Joyce), and Ben; my baby sisters, Easter and Mary (James), my nieces, nephews, family, and friends-I leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a deep belief in the power of family. May my memory live on in your hearts. Do not mourn for me, but celebrate the life we shared. I am in my new home, reunited with my beloved parents Chester and Maggie, and my brother Richard, embraced by the open arms of Heaven. "Peace I leave with you; My perfect peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge." -John 14:27 Chester Lee ("Bone") Reynolds

Tributes

Mr. Chester Lee Reynolds

July 16, 1956 - November 21, 2024