Russell William Reynolds Jr.

REYNOLDS, Russell William, of Richmond, passed away to be with our Lord on June 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Russell was born in Norfolk, Virginia on March 26, 1950. Russell was preceded in death by his father, John Calvin Mason; and brother-in-law, Tommy Wine. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan Wine Reynolds; three children, Leigh Reynolds (Mike) Dunavant, Carrie Baker Reynolds and John Mason (Megan Patterson) Reynolds; and three granddaughters, Sarah Stuart Dunavant, Anna Catherine Reynolds and Abby Elizabeth Reynolds; his mother, Ellen Priddy Mason of Richmond; sisters, Deborah (Wayne) Martin of Naples, Fla. and Sandra (Carl) Jessup; nephew, Justin (Gabriella) Jessup; brother-in-law, Winston B. Wine of Staunton, Va.; sister-in-law, Catharine Wine (Kerry) Hinkley of St. Augustine, Fla.; nephews, Andrew (Vanessa) Hinkley and David Hinkley; nieces, Aaron Wine (Moriah) Goldman and Cameron Wine; great-nephews, Ezra and Ira Goldman; and many wonderful and devoted friends.

He grew up in Norfolk, Va. and attended Norview High School, where he graduated in 1968. He then began what would be a lifelong and highly successful career in the grocery business. He and Joan moved to Richmond in 1977, where he was employed by Wright Brokerage, Inc. In 1986, he joined MT&Tally, where he served as vice president until 1991. He then became vice president of Sales & Marketing for the Richfood Dairy Division. He continued his career at Richfood (now Supervalu East Region) where he worked as area sales director for the next 11 years until his retirement in 2014. His work as a mentor to young professionals at Supervalu was highly recognized in his field.

He was well known in the industry and a favorite among brokers, retailers and "Big Daddy" touched every person he met in his unique and friendly way. In his youth, he participated in football, baseball and softball. He coached for many years at Tuckahoe Little League and was a member of Hermitage Country Club, where he would pursue one of his most personal passions, golf. He was a constant supporter of the VSGA, especially the youth program. Devoted to the Washington Redskins, he was a lifelong sports fan.

He was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, was a friendly greeter to all who attended and mentored many youth members of the congregation. He served as a board member of the Central Virginia Food Bank. He encouraged his children in music, sports and leadership. Beyond all of his zest for life, his greatest joy were his children and his granddaughters. He was and forever will be known as Papa.

His remains rest at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., where the family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Epiphany Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church or Central Virginia Food Bank. Online condolences to www.WoodyFuneralHomeParham.com.