Michael W. Reynolds

Michael "Mike" William Reynolds, 86, of Conway, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and outstanding home health aides. He was born on July 29, 1938, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Mary and Max Rackley of Santa Fe, N.M. Mike graduated from San Antonio High School and then served four years in the Marine Corp before attending the University of New Mexico. He completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico State University, where he was a member of Pi Tau Sigma honorary fraternity. Mike went on to have a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer and was inducted into General Electric Company's Quality Hall of Fame. His 30 year tenure with GE began with a training program that took him to many states before he settled in Brockport, NY. After GE's Brockport plant was sold to Black & Decker, he continued to work there until they moved their operations overseas. Mike then worked for Winross in Churchill, NY until his retirement in 2000. Outside of work, Mike enjoyed golfing, running, and skiing, and serving on the National Ski Patrol. He was also an avid reader and was loved and appreciated by many for his great wit, wisdom, and even-keeled temperament. In 1966 he met Brockport schoolteacher Sheilah Stanton at a Christmas party, and they married on October 19, 1968. Together they raised two children, Christopher Michael and Kerry Anne, in their home in Sweden Village. There, in challenging moments Sheilah could often be heard exclaiming, "Michael, do something!" and he would swiftly and calmly come to her aide. In 2003, Mike and Sheilah moved to Myrtle Trace Retirement Community in Conway, SC, where he served on the property and activities committees. In retirement, he and Sheilah frequently traveled to explore cultures around the world, making many friends along the way. While Mike suffered from Parkinson's disease for over 12 years, he always remained optimistic and positive in the face of the many challenges it presented. Through his commitment to treatment and regular exercise, especially boxing and biking, he was able to remain very active until the final 18 months of his life. Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Sheilah Mary; his children Christopher Michael (Joey Marie) of Pickerington, OH, and Kerry Anne (Michael) of Arcata, CA; his grandchildren Michael Farrell, Max James, and Abigail Grace; and many devoted nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Max Rackley, and his loving sisters, Joni Dawson and Helen Kruger. At Mike's request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held on November 26, 2024. For service details, please contact the family at kreynolds707@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to the Special Olympics. Please sign a guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Michael W. Reynolds

July 29, 1938 - September 24, 2024