William Reynolds

In Loving Memory and Celebration of the Life of William (Bill) C. Reynolds, Age 72 of Livonia.

William (Bill) Craig Reynolds, aged 72, of Livonia, moved to his heavenly home on January 31, 2025.  He was born on June 19, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of William J. Reynolds (dec) and Elaine (Hoffman) Reynolds (dec). Bill was united in marriage to Deborah A. Daugherty on May 3, 1975, celebrating almost 50 years of marriage.

Bill was baptized into Christ on July 13, 1952, and confirmed on May 1,1966, at Atonement Lutheran Church, Dearborn, Michigan.  Bill’s confirmation scripture was John 15:1-9 along with  his confirmation hymn “Let Me Be Thine Forever.”  Bill graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn in 1970, attended Henry Ford Community College, and graduated with an Associates Degree in Commerce in 1979.  Later, Bill graduated from the University of Detroit in 1984 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.  He joined the Army National Guard as a Track Vehicle Mechanic from October 1971 to October 1977.  Bill worked for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn from February 1973 to March 2007 (34 years) first as a Product Test Technician with the majority of his work experience as a Methods and Systems Financial Analyst.  After retirement, Bill worked for Northville Schools from 2009 to 2016 as a Paraprofessional Educator of Special Needs Children.

Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife, Debbie; his children, Stephen Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds and Rachel (Reynolds) Dean; his son-in-law Jeff Dean; his adored grandson, Louis Dean; extended family Jessica Hathaway with children Israel, Ethan, Luna; and his siblings Robert Sylvester (dec), Jack Reynolds (Mary Lou) and Mark Reynolds.  Bill was loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill loved life and others deeply.  He had a gift for making conversation with everyone he met.  First and foremost, Bill was a man of God who loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, and soul.  He humbly walked with Jesus, sharing his faith and serving others.  Debbie and he joined Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livonia, Michigan, in 1989.  Bill sang tenor in the choir from 1989 to the present and served as a Stephen Minister; participated in the Homebound Ministry;  served on the Funeral Luncheon Committee/Ministry; and worked on the Personnel Committee for numerous years.  Bill joyfully participated in the 500th Reformation anniversary service at MSU in 2017 with hundreds of voices from all over the state and country participating in the choir.  This experience was one of many favorite and unforgettable memories for Bill.

Besides Bill’s activities within the church, he loved working out and swimming; camping with family and friends from tent to RV trailer; visiting Grand Haven on Lake Michigan; riding his bike along the trails of Kensington and northern Michigan; frequenting Bill Brown Ford for the servicing of his beloved Ford Motor vehicles; and regularly visiting The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  In 2022, Bill completed intensive training to become a volunteer for The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. After Bill passed, Bill became an organ donor for Eversight, Gift of Life.

Bill was deeply loved and will be forever missed, but his love of family, life, and his Lord and Savior, will live on in the hearts of his family and friends who were blessed to know and love him. “Well done good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

Bill lived his life with the dedication and commitment he proclaimed on his Confirmation Day in Verse 1 of his confirmation hymn:
“Let me be Thine forever, My faithful God and Lord;
Let me forsake Thee never Nor wander from Thy Word.
Lord, do not let me waver, But give me steadfastness,
And for such grace forever Thy holy name I’ll bless.”

Those who wish to honor Bill may make memorial contributions to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 14175 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 for the Music Program or Food Pantry. The memorial service will be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.  All are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following the service