Richard John Reynolds III

Richard John Reynolds III, 91, of Atlanta, Georgia, died peacefully on December 24, 2025, surrounded by family. Born September 26, 1934, in Atlanta to Richard John and Annabelle Reynolds Jr., he was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 66 years, Delia Bridwell Reynolds, who passed away in August 2025. They wed in 1959 at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

The Reynolds family established their residence in Atlanta well before Richard's birth, following their relocation from Augusta, Georgia. The family's initial settlement dates from the 1850s, when they immigrated from County Longford, Ireland — a heritage Richard frequently referenced as being “from the Old Sod.”

Richard, a Roman Catholic, was baptized, confirmed, and served as an altar boy at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a parish with strong family connections. He completed sixth grade at Sacred Heart’s parochial school before progressing naturally next door to Marist College (now Marist School) for seventh grade through graduation. On one occasion, while assisting during Mass, he accidentally launched a spring-loaded altar candle over the celebrant's head, earning a stern look from the priest. Richard often rode the streetcar to school and formed many lasting friendships within his close-knit community.

Richard received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from Emory University in 1958. During his time as a Chi Phi fraternity member, his sister Marianna introduced him to Delia, her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sister. This marked the beginning of a lifelong, loving relationship between Richard and Delia.

Between 1958 and 1964, he served in the United States Army National Guard, completing six months of active duty with the U.S. Army. Subsequently, he joined his father as a partner at Reynolds, Holt, and Reynolds, located in the Healey Building in downtown Atlanta. Over the course of his 33-year legal career — including nineteen years as a partner at Troutman, Sanders, Lockerman and Ashmore (now Troutman Pepper Locke)—he participated in legal proceedings nationwide and achieved a successful outcome before the Supreme Court of the United States.

He was Marist’s historian and served as Alumni Association president (1982–1983) and Executive Board member. Marist recognized him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award (1991), inclusion in the Blue and Gold Athletics Circle (2004), dedication of the football program in his name (2005), and its highest honor, the St. Peter Chanel Award (2014–2015).

Richard’s dedication to history extended well beyond his work at Marist. He contributed scholarly articles on a wide range of topics, with publications appearing through institutions such as Georgia Tech, Oglethorpe University, Auburn University, the Atlanta Historical Society, and the Cincinnati Art Museum, as well as periodicals including Bandwagon, White Tops, ZooNews, and numerous outlets in Belgium, England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Richard also appeared in television documentaries for The History Channel and PBS’s American Experience.

Richard had a lifelong passion for sports, especially college football. Athletic departments from schools such as Georgia Tech, Georgia, Florida, and Auburn — as well as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution — often quoted him or asked him to fact-check articles before publication. At his core, he was a true “Helluva an Engineer” and had followed Georgia Tech since childhood. Each year, as August signaled the start of the season, he looked forward to the return of “Ordinary Time.” Before cable television, Richard would set up multiple TVs in the den so everyone could watch the New Year's bowl games together. He enjoyed hosting friends to watch football and regale them with tales of football lore.

From an early age, as evidenced by his preserved elementary school notebooks, Richard displayed a keen interest in circuses and animals, frequently illustrating rhinos, elephants, zebras, and circus “Big Tops” in the margins. In 1970, he joined Dr. Geoffrey Bourne and Dr. Duane Rumbaugh as one of the three founding trustees of Zoo Atlanta. In 2000, Richard delivered a eulogy at the memorial service for Willie B., the zoo’s renowned gorilla, an event attended by thousands.

Richard was a prominent figure in the world of the circus, known for his service as a Trustee Emeritus of the Circus Historical Society and his tenure as President of Circus Fans of America. He made important contributions as an author, supporter, and collector of circus history, amassing large original lithographs from renowned 19th- and 20th-century shows. Delia often joked that he truly fulfilled the dream of running away with the circus when Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey invited him; he eagerly boarded the Blue Unit train from Atlanta to Greenville, South Carolina — so excited, in fact, that he nearly forgot his overnight bag.

The circus incorporated both animals and Richard’s enduring interest in railroading. While many families opted for trips to Europe or other exotic destinations, Richard and his family toured the country via America’s remaining passenger streamliners. He preferred visiting locations such as Durango, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico to experience narrow-gauge steam railroading. Summers were devoted to following and traveling on railways powered by notable steam engines, including 750, 4501, 290, 630, and 722, among many others. During this time, Delia would prepare picnic lunches and bring her novels to read along the journey. The children would travel in vestibules or porch observation cars, eagerly anticipating the majesty of a photo “run-by”.

Those acquainted with Richard, or who have participated in similar pursuits, recognize that such endeavors require significant time and dedication, which can be especially demanding for a family man. Together with Delia, Richard raised three sons: Richard IV, Michael, and Timothy. He was consistently present at school functions, athletic events, miniature exhibits, and performances involving his children and grandchildren — Ashlyn, Ansley, Richard, Mary, and Katie. Richard relished these family opportunities, with the singular exception of his preference to forgo beach outings in favor of dedicating time to his research. Throughout his life, he remained actively involved in his family’s activities until his passing on Christmas Eve 2025.

Richard has now joined Delia in eternal rest. He is survived by his sons: Richard John Reynolds IV and his wife. Lee, along with their children Jennifer Ansley, Mary Bridwell, and Richard V; Michael Edwin Reynolds; and Timothy Bridwell Reynolds and his wife. Deanna, with their daughter Ashlyn Hudson and her husband. Logan, and Kathryn Reynolds. Additionally, Richard is survived by his brother-in-law, Harry Bridwell, Jr., and grand-nephew, Eric Regan. Extended family includes Marianna and Solon Patterson, their children — John and his wife, Nancy, and children Mary Hansen, John Jr., and Luke. Joseph and his wife. Carolyn, with their children Annabelle, George, and Mary Claire; as well as George and Dale Patterson and their son, Pete.

A Rosary Service will take place on January 7, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm at H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill, located at 4550 Peachtree Road Ne, Atlanta, GA 30319. Following the Rosary, a Gathering will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the same location.

On January 8, 2026, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305. The Committal Service will follow at Westview Cemetery Inc., 1680 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, at 11:30 am.