Leon Reynolds Sr. was born on March 5, 1920 in Sibley, Mississippi to Anthony and Josie Reynolds. Leon was the second oldest of eight siblings all who preceded him in death. Rev. Willie, Chester, Henry, Anthony, Joshua, Rev. Winnie Grosvenor and Robert Reynolds.

Leon hastened to the urging of the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus at an early age. Being the dutiful son, Leon worked the fields to help support his family until he left home. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp, which became the United States Air Force in 1947. After serving in the China, Burma, India Theater building air strips and the historically significant Burma road, he returned to the United States, taking residence in Harlem, N.Y. with several of his brothers.

Spiritually: Not to be unchurched Leon received the Right Hand of Fellowship in 1947 from the Rev. Dr. T.H. McKenzie Sr. Pastor of The First Corinthian Baptist Church (FCBC) at 2553 Eighth Avenue. At FCBC, Leon was known to be an avid Bible reader and scholar who taught Sunday school and ushered. In 1962, Leon was called to serve his congregation as a deacon, a capacity in which he served until his death.

Marriage: Sharing the same day of birth, Leon and Janet Muse of FCBC joined as one on March 28, 1948. They remained married and in love 65 years until Janet's soul transitioned to the presence God.

Family: Leon and Janet's union begot four children, Joyce, Stephanie Joan, Lenore and Leon Jr. (Veronica). Leon was extremely proud of his children's accomplishments and often spoke of his grandchildren, Joseph Reynolds-Grant (Stephanie), Matthew and Jenee Wade (Lenore), and Ramel, Janeen, Ramon Reynolds (Leon Jr.) and
One great grand child Josiah (Jenee). Prior to marriage Leon had one son Joseph Stewart (Eddie-Mae) of Natchez, Mississippi who begot two children Tiffany Nicholson (Stanley) and Tammy Castro who Leon was equally proud of. Tiffany and Tammy produce great grandchildren Brandon Nicholson (Tiffany), Taylor, Tania, Trinity, Tristan (Tammy) and two great grandchildren Arianna and Aubree (Taylor).

Professional: Leon worked as a Brick layer helper for a short time before he expressed interest for professional growth opportunities. With God’s favor during an era which was not conducive to integration, Leon learned the Brick Mason trade and was allowed into the Union. Leon retired in 1982 and remained a faithful member and participant until health prohibited him. While driving through South Jamaica, Queens, you will see great Brick Mason craftsmanship in fences and stoops/stairs and it's probably Leon's work. In addition, his amazing brick work can be seen on many prominent buildings in NYC.

Character: Leon's mental and moral qualities were distinctively wrapped around his deep commitment to his Lord and Savior. Every morning and night Leon could be seen kneeling at his bed silently praying. The Holy Spirit was so deeply entrenched in his soul that the essence of his spiritual gifts exuded from his pores. Leon's wisdom was tightly wrapped in positivity. He had a long list of mentees whom he inspired to set their sights high with the attitude that you can accomplish anything with God.

Leon was our angel on earth!

The beginning: during the last few days of his earthly existence Leon informed his children and prayed out loud exclaiming he was “sorry I have to leave you”. Within a couple days God honored his request unassumingly, at home around his children, grandchildren and great grand.

Leon Reynolds Sr.'s physical presence will be deeply missed but the knowledge and wisdom he imparted will live on in the many lives he humbly touched!

Affiliations

Army
Army