Ruthell Reynolds

Ruthell Murphree Reynolds, 91, of Memphis Tennessee passed away Thursday, March 13th, 2025. She was born in Vardaman, Mississippi. Growing up she played basketball, worked on her fathers farm and helped at a burger stand they once had. She married Billy Wayne Reynolds from Vardaman the day after her high school graduation. They moved to Chicago where she worked at Cracker Jacks. In 1957 they moved to Memphis, Tennessee where she modeled and attended Drones Business College. She worked at The Admiral Benbow Inn and the Downtowner Hotel all while raising 4 children. In 1965 she opened the Windjammer Restaurant which at the time was an upscale steak & seafood establishment and the first of its kind in the East Memphis area.

After 18 years on Mendenhall at Poplar Avenue she moved the restaurant to Brookhaven Circle where it became a popular local hangout. It became legendary for dart tournaments and was voted the Best of Memphis for Karaoke the last 10 years she was in business, which she closed in 2017 after being in business for 52 years.

She served as the Secretary for the Memphis Restaurant Association for many years, gave to numerous charities and encouraged others any way she could. She loved being around people and although she owned a bar, she witnessed her love for God to everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd & Johnie Murphree, her husband of 73 years, Billy W. Reynolds, her three sons, Billy Mart, Ricky Wayne, and Joe Murphree Reynolds and a great grandson Michael Willkerson. She leaves behind her daughter, Johnnie Reynolds Boaz. She also leaves 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren & 8 great great grandchildren. She was loved by all who met her and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held Wednesday March 19th from 5-7pm at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue in Memphis Tennessee. The funeral service will be held on Thursday March 20th at 10am at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Forest Hill South Cemetery on East Holmes Road, Memphis Tennessee.