Roll Call Tribute

William Storrs "Bill" Reynolds 

April 8, 1958 - July 24, 2024 

William (Bill) Storrs Reynolds, 66, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He was a wonderful husband to Tamara Lowry Reynolds for 37 years.

Bill was born April 8, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, son of the late Edward Storrs Reynolds, Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Gilliatt Reynolds of Lynchburg.

In addition to his wife and mother, Bill is survived by daughter Alison Ann (Kevin Heideman) Reynolds and granddaughter Emery Billie Reynolds Heideman of Richmond, son Ryan Storrs (Monica Pendergast) Reynolds of Falls Church, sister Jean (Ted) Dunham of Arizona, brother Peter (Terri) Reynolds of Texas, sister Margaret Reynolds of Minnesota, and 10 nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up in Winchester, Massachusetts with his parents and three siblings. His brother Peter shared a paper route with Bill for many years. One neighbor gave Bill the nickname “How Come” for Bill’s curious nature and interest in his motorcycle and Triumph sports car. Bill loved troubleshooting mechanical parts, motors, and gears since his early years. His oldest sister Jean recalls buying black hand towels reserved for Bill in an effort to preserve the good towels from his projects in the garage. His younger sister Margaret thought of Bill as her protector and he stepped in when others were unkind. Margaret became a radiation oncologist and returned the favor, advocating for Bill throughout his battle with Lymphoma.

At a young age, Bill started a lawn mowing business from a broken down lawn mower that he refurbished himself. The love for “tinkering” followed him throughout his life. When Bill was 14, he and his father meticulously searched for and purchased a 1929 Ford Model A Coupe. The Model A became a lifelong passion project that he finished restoring with his own son and a group of supportive friends just a few years ago.

Bill’s interest in motors expanded as a young adult. He attended Texas State Technical College and specialized in diesel mechanics. He worked as a mechanic on Caterpillar equipment, buses, and tow trucks, gaining beneficial hands-on experience for his future career.

Bill always had an adventurous spirit. He completed two cross country trips on his ten-speed bicycle. His first trip in 1981 lasted 7 months. He cycled from Galveston, Texas, explored the eastern U.S., and rode up to Nova Scotia, Canada. He finished his trip by cycling home through the Midwest back to Texas. Along the way he met Tammy in Narrowsburg, New York, while she was working for the National Park Service as a river ranger. She later became his wife and the best souvenir of his adventures. He consumed many cookies to fuel his body and dubbed them “his favorite food”. He met many friendly strangers throughout his travels who provided support in a multitude of ways. In 1982, he completed his second bicycle trip that lasted 6 months. He cycled from Galveston, Texas, ascending the west coast until he reached the Alaska-Canadian highway and toured north to Fairbanks, Alaska. Bill spent many nights sleeping on the ground in the open air which contributed to a lifelong love of sleeping on hard surfaces. Years later, Bill and Tammy took a 3 month bicycle trip to Europe touring six countries.

After his trips, Bill completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at Texas A&M University where he became a lifelong Aggie. Bill and Tammy were married during their time at Texas A&M. Bill’s work brought the couple to Lynchburg, Virginia where they lived together for over 36 years. Bill worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Limitorque for seven years. The majority of his career was with Belvac Production Machinery. He was nearing retirement after 29 years of service and being named on three patents.

Soon after moving to Lynchburg, Bill’s daughter, Alison, was born and then his son, Ryan, two years later. Bill was a dedicated father. He was present and whistling loudly at all major and minor life events. He instilled a love for curiosity and adventure. He played games, told endless puns, and was an amazing role model for his children. Bill and his family enjoyed many family vacations and are very close. He lived in the same neighborhood during his time in Lynchburg. His neighbors enjoyed seeing him ride his skateboard down the street and driving his Ford Model A around the block.

Bill was a Life Scout. He grew up scouting with his father and brother, Peter. As a scout leader and volunteer, Bill spent many years supporting Ryan and fellow scouts. They enjoyed backpacking weekends, Space Derbies, and worked to complete Ryan’s Eagle Scout project together. He attended Heritage United Methodist Church in Lynchburg where their Boy Scout Troop 10 met.

Bill was an incredible individual. He enjoyed talking to anyone he encountered. He found friends and shared puns wherever he went. Bill was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of William’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, August 4, 2024 in the Lynchburg Tharp Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Jim Smith officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to UVA T-Cell Lymphoma Research (22700) https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/20649/donations/new 

Lymphoma Research Foundation https://www.lymphoma.org/ 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.