Newton Rowan Reynolds (Newt) was born in Charleston, SC on July 13, 1942. He was married to the former Ann Marie Colton of New Orleans for fifty-six years. They have three children: Wendy Geary (Clay), Brett Reynolds (Sallye), and Lauren Davis (Alan), nine grandchildren: Libby Philips (Michael), Courtney Geary, Cooke Geary, Stephen Reynolds. Jack Reynolds, Walker Reynolds, Colton Davis, Peyton Davis, Parker Davis, and a great grandson: Clayton Kent Philips. He is proceeded in death by his father, Max Peyton Reynolds, his mother, Hazel Rowan Reynolds, and his sister, Virginia Dave Hamill of Charleston, SC.
Newt graduated from the High School of Charleston in 1960. He attended Millsaps College where he played football and was named MVP in 1961. He also attended the University of Mississippi and Tulane University. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Newt co-founded Production Supply Company, Inc. in 1965. He served as President of the National Association of Aluminum Distributors.
He was active in many civic organizations, and he served on several boards: The Salvation Army, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Louisiana Tennis Patrons, EENT Hospital, Longue Vue Gardens, New Orleans Museum of Art, Academy of the Sacred Heart, and Ochsner Baptist Board of Governors. From 1978-80, he organized and produced the New Orleans Grand Prix ATP Tennis Tournament. In 1999, he also produced the live theatrical production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Orpheum to benefit the New Orleans arts community and to bring Christmas spirit to the city.
As a community leader, Newt received the following: Key to the City of New Orleans, 1980; Outstanding Leadership of New Orleans, 1989; Millsaps College Hall of Fame, 1989; Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 1996; Holy Cross College Doctor of Humane Letters, 1999.
Newt was a member of the New Orleans Country Club, the Boston Club, and several Carnival organizations. He was an avid tennis player, and he loved his weekly tennis groups, as well as his annual trips to the U.S. Open. He enjoyed writing and traveling with his family, and he loved creating problem-solving inventions. He was well known for his portrait painting, a passion he discovered in his early forties. He went on to paint and donate hundreds of oil portraits throughout the remainder of his life.
Newt was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his quick wit. He will be dearly missed.
A funeral mass will be held on December 28, 2022 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be begin at 11:00 AM. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the charity of your choice.
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