William Thomas Reynolds (Bill) died on September 17, 2021 at the age of 93 years.  He loved his family, friends and church, and was always a faithful Ford guy.  He shared with everyone the value of his humble poor farm kid common sense, work ethic, devotion to helping others and enthusiasm for life.  He leaves a legacy of many friends, acquaintances and strangers who were touched by his friendship.

Bill was born on December 25, 1927 the second of five children to Harold and Emma Mae (Moss) Reynolds.  He grew up during the Depression and World War II and shared many memories of that time and how he was blessed with a happy childhood even without all that most kids have today.

In May 1944, he graduated from Richmond High School.  At the age of 17, in the Fall of 1945 he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Naval Air Station on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans.  After the Navy, Bill attended Chillicothe Business School and received a Business Degree.  In January of 1948 Bill joined Ford Motor Company in Kansas City in the temporary typing pool, beginning a 41-year career and retiring in January 1989. During his time with Ford, he received 19 promotions, retiring as a Regional Manager for Ford’s Dealer Development.

Bill married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Adams, on September 9, 1951. Bill entered the hospital for the last time on their 70th wedding anniversary.  Bill and Mary were always active in their local Methodist Church as they frequently transferred with Ford.  They started life together in North Kansas City, MO then moved to Kansas City, followed by nearby Oakwood Manor, Plymouth, MI, McMurray, PA (near Pittsburgh), Wheaton, IL (near Chicago) and finally back to the Kansas City area (Gladstone, MO). 

Bill was a proud father to Alanna & Dennis and enjoyed spending time with them as a family including vacations at Lake of the Ozarks where everyone learned to ski, fish, drive boats and swim.  Golfing was also a popular activity with Bill and Mary enjoying many rounds during their retirement years both at home and as they traveled.  In addition, they enjoyed traveling with their extended family, the “Ford Bunch”, a group of lifelong friends that started in the Kansas City office and stayed in touch during their many transfers. 

Bill was frequently appointed to the Board of Directors of Corporations to represent Ford Motor Company (1971-1988) and served on the Ford Motor Company "Community Relations Committee '' for 32 years. During Ford's 75th Anniversary celebration he participated in a parade down Chicago's Michigan Avenue riding with then Mayor Bilandic and Governor Thompson in a 1903 Ford.  He worked with many prominent figures including famous athletes Bill Russell, Mel Farr, Lem Barney and Tony Gonzalez.

Bill was very active in civic organizations.  He served as president of Toastmasters International of DuPage County. IL.  He was also a member of the Planning Commission for the City of Gladstone and President and longtime member of the Board of Directors for the Woodlands Homes Association. He was on the Advisory Board of the Northland Community Foundation, and the Board of Trustees for the Shepherd's Center of the Northland.  He was also a member of the Board of Trustees for Nearly New and was a very active member of many North Cross United Methodist Church committees including Chair of the Finance Committee.

Bill was an excellent Bridge player and he and Mary enjoyed many years of playing with friends.  They have passed the game on to their children and grandchildren. Bill and Mary greatly enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren at their Lake of the Ozarks cabin and made many fond and funny memories. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brother James Robert (Jimmy) and sister Jennie Ola Blaine.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Evelyn Reynolds, daughter Alanna Harvey (Haslett, MI), his son Dennis (Charlotte) Reynolds of Marine on St Croix, MN., his sister Gloria Proffitt (Liberty, MO) and Janet (Bob) Price of Bolivar, MO., his grandchildren Laura (Aaron) Anderson (Lansing MI), Parker (Lora) Reynolds (Madison, WI) and Camryn (Kevin) Gillmor (Richfield, MN). He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Visitation is at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. on Wednesday September 22, 2021 at North Cross United Methodist Church (1321 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118) followed by a graveside service at Richmond Memorial Gardens in Richmond, MO at 3:00 p.m. Memorial Donations may be made to North Cross United Methodist Church - Endowment Fund and/or Northland Shepherd Center.  Please remember to share your memories of Bill with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.