The Chronicler's Web (TCW)

by DAN CALLOWAY
Published 18 November 2009

ASHEVILLE, NC – Paul Harrison Reynolds, Sr., of Asheville, died at his home Monday, November 16, 2009 after a period of declining health.

He was born on February 22, 1924 in Asheville to the late Sarah Edith Ramsey and Edward George Reynolds (Ted). Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Blondell Conner Reynolds; his brothers: Ross Reynolds, Earl Myers, and James Myers; children: Ann Reynolds White, Paul Reynolds, Jr., and John Timothy Reynolds; and by his grandson, John T. Reynolds, Jr.

Paul is survived by his wife, Loretta Wilson Reynolds; siblings: Brian and Jeanne Harris, Caroline and Tony Smith, Warren and Claire Harris and Nolene and Frazier Smith; grandchildren: Dasha Ellen Brown and Natalie Suzanne Mizell; and by many cousins, nieces, nephews and many more friends.

Paul was a self-proclaimed Irishman and was a member of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, where he served on the vestry committee. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 891. Staff Sergeant Paul Harrison Reynolds was part of the 322nd squad, 91st Bomb Group (H), 8th United States Army Air Force, Bassingbourn, United Kingdom, from September 2, 1944 – June 15, 1945, and served as a Combat Gunnery Instructor. He retired from the North Carolina State Government in 1990. The Irishman with the contagious laugh and permanent smile never met a stranger. He struck up conversations with everyone and soon knew their entire pedigree. Paul always had an Irish Blessing to pass on to others. He was a remarkable family man and a dear friend to all and his memory will remain in the hearts of everyone he encountered.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center to honor and celebrate his life.

The Requiem Mass will be held at 10 AM Friday at All Saints Anglican Church, 15 McDowell Road, Mills River, with Father Bill Martin and Father Paul Blankenship officiating.

Paul Harrison Reynolds will be laid to rest at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12 noon Friday. Pallbearers will be Dan Calloway, Doug Berner, Allen Dunlap, George Keller, Fred Olinger, and Wilson Tschiffely.

A lasting tribute to Paul can be found on the World Wide Web at Find-A-Grave.  Please visit and contribute flowers or other donations in memory of Paul Harrison Reynolds, Sr.  Thank you.