Harold Morris Reynolds Jr.

Harold Morris Reynolds, Jr., 66, died at home on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Morris was born on May 25, 1951 in Charlotte, NC. He attended Thomasboro Elementary, Wilson Junior High, and graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1969. In the summer of 1970, he met the love of his life, Gail Gathings.

Morris was drafted in October 1970 to serve in the US Army and was later deployed to Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Spec-4 and received The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1971 to February 1972. When Morris returned home in 1972, he attended UNC-Charlotte, majoring in political science. He always enjoyed a good political discussion!

Morris and Gail were married on November 9, 1974 at Thomasboro Baptist Church. Morris worked at Western Southern Insurance Company for a few years, and then his father-in-law, Bill Gathings, offered him an opportunity to manage a new Insty-Prints shop on Independence Blvd. Morris worked 21 years for the company. After leaving Insty-Prints, he managed Postal Instant Press on Park Road.

Morris attended St. James Methodist Church as a child and teenager and Big Springs Methodist as a young adult. In the summer of 1997, Morris became a born again Christian. Morris enjoyed playing golf and played at many of the courses around Charlotte. Growing up, Morris’ favorite teams to watch on TV were Duke basketball and the Washington Redskins. When the Carolina Panthers came to town, he started following the home team. Another sport he faithfully watched on TV was golf, especially following the career of Tiger Woods.

Morris was an avid reader of non-fiction, especially biographies, political, and historical novels. He was always a fan of music, growing up in the 1950’s and the introduction of rock and roll. Morris and Gail became country music fans, attending concerts of many of their favorite artists. They enjoyed vacationing at Myrtle Beach, particularly in Windy Hill.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Reynolds, grandparents, George and Ola Freeman and Henry and Mae Reynolds, his brother, Barry, sister, Kathie, father-in-law, Bill Gathings, several uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail, his brother, Ed Reynolds (Helen), sister, Jo Reynolds, sister-in-law, Maggie Reynolds, many nephews, nieces, and cousins, his mother-in- law, Virginia Gathings, brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Rob and Connie Gathings, and their Pomeranian, Lady.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Morris will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Durham Memorial Baptist Church (1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214) with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and a Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am. Memorials can be made to Durham Memorial Baptist Church, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missionaries.

Forest Lawn West is serving the family of Morris Reynolds.