William Ray Reynolds

William “Ray” Reynolds, 100, passed away on February 12, 2026 at his home in Culpeper, Virginia. Born in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 1925, he was the son of the late Ruben Ray Reynolds and Iva May Reynolds. Ray attended McKinley Tech High School, graduating in 1943. Shortly after graduation, Ray went into the Army Air Corps (later becoming the United States Air Force), and served as a waist gunner during World War II. He flew missions over Italy and the Adriatic Sea, and survived having his plane shot down twice. After returning to the states, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Brand. They built their life together and raised a family in Fairfax, where Ray worked for C & P Telephone Company his entire career. After retiring, he and Betty built their retirement home in Culpeper and celebrated 55 years of marriage before Betty passed in 2002.

Ray was an avid Washington Redskin football fan. He saw many games in person, as he played the cornet in the Redskin Marching Band for decades. Ray was a proud member of the Fairfax Masonic Lodge in Culpeper. Ray also enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, hunting, and fishing. He laughed loudly and frequently, lighting up any room he was in. He was a member of Culpeper United Methodist Church.

Surviving Ray are his four children: Marlene Horstman of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Charlotte Keeley (Don) of Haymarket, Virginia; Gayle Ferrell (Tom) of Midland, Virginia; and Bill Reynolds (Terri) of McCormick, South Carolina. Ray also was a beloved “Grandpa” to seven grandchildren: Brian Snodgrass, Joey Chaudet, Megan Davis, Kristen Gregory, Patrick Keeley, Heather Wagner, and Garrett Reynolds. Fourteen great grandchildren were also the apples of Ray’s eye.

The family will receive friends at Culpeper United Methodist Church on March 2, 2026 at 1:00 with a funeral service beginning at 2:00. Internment will be at the Culpeper Masonic Cemetery immediately following the service. A reception will be held at the Culpeper Methodist Church after the burial. All are invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity. Arrangements are being handled by Clore English Funeral Home.