Donna Candace Reynolds

Donna Candace Reynolds Clay, 76, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on March 11, 2026 and is now with her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Donna was born and raised in the high plains of Texas. At a young age she began piano lessons, which grew into a life-long love of playing. She was active in church, girl scouts, equestrian sports, cheerleading, and band, as well as being a majorette and playing basketball and tennis. In addition to all of these activities, she also helped work cattle on the family ranches. After graduating Olton High School, with honors, she attended Christian College in Columbia, Missouri. Donna continued her education throughout her life and in her career. She received a BA in Human Resource Management, an MA in Pastoral Ministry and a PhD from Trinity Theological Seminary.

Donna moved to Dallas, Texas where she would meet Richard F. (Dick) Reynolds and they would marry in 1977 surrounded by their blended family of seven children. They lived and worked in Dallas until 1989 when they moved to Austin when Dick accepted gubernatorial appointments, eventually moving to The Stayton in Fort Worth in 2012. They shared 37 wonderful years together having great fun and much love.

Donna’s business career spans many companies and positions which included being the Dir. of HR for Texas State Treasurer Kay Bailey Hutchison and later as Deputy Dir. for Senator Hutchison. Donna served on Governor George W. Bush’s transition team and as Dir. of HR for Governor Bush. She was later appointed Ex. Dir. of the Governor’s Commission for Women under First Lady Laura Bush. When Donna retired from public service and she and Dick moved to Fort Worth, she joined Marketplace Chaplains USA. Donna continued her lifetime of service as a volunteer chaplain for Champions of Life Prison Ministries and for the Stayton Plaza residents.

After her husband Dick’s passing in 2014, Donna continued in her chaplain work, kept up with friends and family, and played her much loved grand piano. It was at The Stayton in Fort Worth that she met Lee Clay. They enjoyed a long friendship which over time grew into love for one another, marrying in June of 2023. They shared many good times together at his ranch where Donna once again found herself riding horses and helping with the cattle roundups.

Donna is survived by her brother Mark Smith and wife, Betty, her daughter Holly Job, sons Brad Reynolds, Jack Reynolds and wife, Lisa, Eric Reynolds and wife, Susan, and daughter Ann Marie. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Cleo Smith, mother Eva Graham, step-father Ervin Graham, her sister Diane Smith, husband Dick Reynolds, husband Lee Clay, her son Christopher Smith, and son Guy Reynolds.

The Reynolds family would like to thank The Stayton staff and Donna’s many dear friends there, Heart to Heart Hospice, and the entire extended Lee Clay family, for their loving care for Donna.

Donna will be laid to rest with a graveside service at the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street, Austin TX 78702, on April 2nd at 2:00PM. Memorial donations may be made to Donna’s chosen charity, Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.