Mr. Joseph Reynolds, Sr.

Joseph Elder Reynolds, Sr. was born on January 4, 1923, in Calhoun Falls, SC. He was the fifth of six children born to the late Rev. Spearman and Mrs. Grace Ware Reynolds. He graduated from Abbeville County Training School (1941), Allen University (1948), and Columbia University (1956). He also proudly and successfully served in the United States Air Force for three years. Mr. Reynolds entered eternal rest on September 14, 2024.

Mr. Reynolds dedicated his life’s work to the field of education. His first job was as a high school English teacher in Elberton, Georgia, and he later taught fifth grade at Carver Middle School. After only two years as a classroom teacher, his leadership and dedication to his profession led him to be hired as principal of Carver Middle School, where he served from 1952-1972. In 1972, Abbeville County entered the school integration process, and the school’s name was changed to Carver School, where he was named principal.

He was extremely instrumental in the successful transition of children, teachers, and parents through the integration process. Mr. Reynolds led transition teams on race relations, education excellence, and community empowerment. In 1974 under his leadership, Carver School received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In 1984, the Abbeville County Board of Commissioners voted to close Caver School and Mr. Reynolds was then named principal of Due West Elementary School which served grades kindergarten through sixth. He retired from the education profession in 1991.

Mr. Reynolds was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 77 years. He was a charter member of Gamma Gamma Chapter (Allen University) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, and life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also sat on the Abbeville County School Board of Commissioners for 22 years, GLEAMS Head Start, Abbeville County Rotary Club, and the Due West Lions Club. Among many honors, he received the Erskine College Honorary Alumni Award, and The Order of the Silver Crescent Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by Gov. Nikki Haley.

Most of all, Mr. Reynolds loved the Lord. He was a member of Mt. Lebanon AME Church in Due West, SC where he faithfully served for many years as a steward, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and class leader.

Mr. Reynolds was preceded in death by siblings James O. Reynolds, Josephine R. Baskin, Edith R. Holmes, Sarah R. Calhoun, and Cornell Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds’ son, William, entered eternal rest on September 15, 2024.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 68 years, Sylvenia Wardlaw Reynolds; children, Tommy Walker, Joseph, Jr., and Sharon (Ivan); three grandchildren, Joseph III, Bryson and Arrington; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Justin; and many extended family and friends.

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