Robert Reynolds

A downtown Jackson icon at one time, Robert was easy to recognize as the guy on the three-wheel bicycle or (later) the motorized Cushman. He worked for Buddy Byrd at Smith City Shoe Shop for many years before a twenty year stint employed by the state of Mississippi in the mail room. He delivered correspondence, mail, packages and good cheer to intra state agencies. During the Fordice administration he was selected State Employee of The Year. Upon his retirement in 2005 there was quite a well attended sendoff given to him in the foyer of The Gartin Building. In attendance were a number of noteworthy people including the then Governor, Ronnie Musgrove.

Robert had a special knack in developing friendships. Many of them lasting a lifetime such as his friendship with Mary Ann Mobley. Mary Ann and Gary once had Robert spend a week with them in California. Another dear friend was his fellow cerebral palsy buddy, the late Jessie Houston, peanut marketer extraordinaire.

Robert enjoyed music and loved to sing – especially gospel music – touching a lot of lives along the way with his rendition of The Hallelujah Square. Years ago he made a deal with his friend, Bill Clark, to sing at his funeral i.e., if Robert were to die first. Should it be the other way around, Robert said to Bill, “What shall I sing at yours?”

Robert was a fixture at Martin's Café on South State Street where he was an honorary member of the Martin Lassiter's We've-Gotcha-Covered Club. Three honks on Robert's bicycle horn to you Martin Lassiter. There are so many others who deserve Honks as well; some requesting anonymity.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Hailey; grandparents, George and Edna Lee Reynolds, and the late Tammy Reynolds (wife). He is survived by his brother, Curtis Hailey; and sons, Daniel Reynolds, Carl Reynolds, and Matt Reynolds. Robert will be buried next to his grandparents immediately adjacent to his grandmother who he adored.

A visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. A funeral service will follow at 11:00am that same day in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Dr. Jerry File . A graveside service will take place at 2:00pm at Short Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Yazoo City. Pallbearers include Paul Earley, Grant McElvin, Matt Reynolds, and Bill Clark.

Robert was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Robert Reynolds: January 22, 1945 – October 30, 2021.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinleepearl.com for the Reynolds family.