Scott Emerson Reynolds

Scott Reynolds, 77, passed away on October 7, 2024, with his daughter by his side, following a sudden illness and several years of declining health. He was born on July 12, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Emerson Howard and Helen Shirra Reynolds.

Scott graduated from Stratford High School in 1965. Some of his most cherished memories were made in the small community of Lordship, Connecticut. Many days were spent along the seawall or bluefish fishing with his father in the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. He especially loved going fishing and clamming with his childhood best friend, Keith Werwin, or spending time at the Windmill Restaurant with his late best friend, Ray Hzvido.

In 1966, Scott joined the Air Force and volunteered for a tour in Vietnam in 1969. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He married Ellen Scurry in January 1970 in Columbia, SC. Shortly afterward, he began college at the University of South Carolina, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1975. In 1983, Scott and Ellen welcomed their daughter, Shirra Emily.

Scott worked nearly his entire professional career with the University of South Carolina, from 1975 until his retirement in 2005. He started as a buyer in the Facilities Warehouse, advanced to Assistant Director in the Purchasing Department, and later retired as Director of Purchasing while also working part-time for USC Postal Services. Many lifelong friends and mentors were made along the way. The University couldn’t keep him away even after retirement, as he continued working part-time with USC Procurement, supporting the USC Columbia and Regional Campuses. Scott was a vital contributor to the profession in a myriad of ways. He was key to the success of procurement at USC. Thanks to his efforts, the department became one of the best in the state.

In his free time, Scott enjoyed being outdoors. He could often be found riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle around Columbia, walking downtown at the Riverwalk, or going to the farm with his hunting buddies in Ridgeway, SC, on the weekends. Later in life, his Saturday mornings were always spent at Lizard’s Thicket with a great group of friends.

Scott moved back to Lordship at the beginning of his retirement to be close to family and friends while caring for his ailing parents with the help of his sister. Many childhood friendships were renewed, and he made fond memories with his sister and brother-in-law during this special time. He eventually settled back down in SC to be near his daughter and son-in-law once his granddaughters were born. His daughter, Shirra, and his two granddaughters, Emily and Sidney, were the greatest joys of his life. Many joked that his son-in-law, Roy, was his favorite family member, as Scott was so proud of him and never missed a chance to brag about him.

Being “Papa” meant the world to him. He cherished every moment he had with his two granddaughters, especially the carpool rides to and from school, special trips to Baskin-Robbins, and carving pumpkins every Halloween. He had a soft heart and a special love for his four-legged family members, especially Belle and Mollye.

Scott is survived by his daughter and caretaker, Shirra Reynolds Culp (Roy); granddaughters, Emily and Sidney; sister, Robin Knowles (Ken); aunt, June Purcell; former wife, Ellen Reynolds; former sister-in-law, Clare Scurry; and brother-in-law, Jerry Scurry (Catherine). He is also survived by several nephews, a niece, and all of their spouses and children, each of whom he cared for deeply, as his family meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former in-laws; his former brother-in-law, Peyre Scurry; and best friends, Raymond Hzvido and Frank Brown, all of whom he admired and held in high regard.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff and administration at Still Hopes Retirement Community for the care and love they showed to Scott over the past year. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to the nurses and doctors at Lexington Medical Center. Shirra would also like to thank all the friends and family who kept his spirits up over the last two years by calling and checking on him daily, weekly, and monthly.

Memorial services will be held at Shandon Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held immediately after in Davis Hall. A private burial will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, at a later date. A separate memorial will be held at Lordship Community Church in Stratford, Connecticut, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Scott’s name via the link provided.

https://support.dav.org/campaign/In-Memory-of-Scott-Emerson-Reynolds-