Joseph George Reynolds Jr.
1 MIN. READ
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Joseph Reynolds, age 67, died April 15, 2022 at his home in Auburn, surrounded by family, after being diagnosed with brain cancer in the summer of 2020.
He was born on February 8, 1955, to Joseph and Annalee (Southerland) Reynolds, in Marion, Indiana. His family moved around northern Indiana during his childhood, and he graduated from West Noble High School in 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in recreational management from Anderson College in 1978, and another bachelor’s degree in computer S=science from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne in 1985.
He worked many jobs in his lifetime. Farm hand, construction worker, lifeguard, YMCA pool director, children’s home parent, and bus driver were some of his early jobs, but he made a fulfilling and successful career in IT. He worked at Rieke Packaging Systems from 1989-1999 and Biomet from 1999-2020. He enjoyed his work and was loved and respected by his coworkers. He was the recipient of many Impact Awards, which were given to those nominated for going above and beyond the expectation to make a big impact on a project or everyday work.
Joe had a kind and reserved exterior, but those who knew him best saw his adventurous streak. While he liked his job, he loved his travels and motorcycles. While attending Anderson College, he got to travel to France, Israel, Grand Cayman, and Peru. Later in life he made many more international trips, including to China, Mexico, and Western Europe, and countless road trips around the US with friends and family. Motorcycles were a lifelong passion. Even after he was hit by a drunk driver while riding in 1979, he continued to fix and ride motorcycles as long as he could. Joe was a great athlete his whole life. He held a high school pole vaulting record that stood for decades and participated in four sprint triathlons in his 60s.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39. Joe had a strong Christian faith and was an example of integrity in all things. After being diagnosed with brain cancer he was very content with the full life that he had lived and the assurance of his salvation in Jesus Christ.
Joe married Julie Hartman on September 14, 1985. He was very proud of their three children and guided them with his example of kindness and integrity.
Joe is survived by his wife of 36 years, Julie Hartman; children, Wesley Reynolds, Sarah (Dan) Preuett, and Emily (Markus) Graf; grandchildren Amelia Preuett and Chloe Graf; siblings, Teresa Reynolds, David Reynolds, and Jefferson Reynolds, and their families.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.