Eugene M. “Gene” Reynolds, Jr.
March 23, 1942 - February 2, 2024
Eugene M. “Gene” Reynolds, Jr., age 81, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE on March 23, 1942, he was a son of the late E. Mercer Reynolds, Sr. and Esther K. Reynolds. Gene graduated from Delaware City High School. After graduation, he served in the Delaware National Guard. He then began his career as a mechanic for the family business, Thorn-Del, and later joined Air Products, where he retired as plant manager after 30 years. After his retirement in 1997, he quickly turned his hobby of building and installing cooler racks into Reynolds Racks, a business that always kept him busy.
Gene loved his family and loved to fish. He was most often found on the beach in South Bethany enjoying an MGD and hanging out with family and friends. In his younger years, he would compete up and down the east coast in long distance casting tournaments where he won several awards. Gene was a founding member of the Delaware Surfcasters and served as the club’s president for the last several years. He was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father, and also the best “Popeye” to his 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Judy Reynolds. He is survived by brother, Dwight Reynolds (Sandi); children, Gene Reynolds, III (Kym), Lori Hitchens (Charlie), and Scott Reynolds (Denise); grandchildren, Kyle Hitchens (Jess), Jared Reynolds, Jacob Reynolds (Scarlet), Bailey Reynolds, and Molly Reynolds; and great-granddaughters, Elena and Kensington.
A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Delaware City Cemetery, 530 West Clinton Street, Delaware City, Delaware.
Wendy
You will be missed by many. You left a mark. REYNOLDS RAIDERS. I loved those pins back in the day. Luv u Uncle Gene 💓
Gina Addison
My heart breaks for those you left behind, who will miss you terribly, but I know your beautiful love story with Judy can now continue in Heaven. Rest peacefully, Papa Reynolds.
Patrice Perrone
Sending love and prayers to the Reynolds family. I know Gene will be very missed. May your fond memories bring you much joy and peace.
Paul and Lois Loder
With Deepest Sympathy and God’s Blessings to Gene’s Family and Friends…..Peace Always…..
Allen Conley
So sorry to hear about Gene passing away. He was a great man, one I truly enjoyed knowing and talking with. My prayers for peace go out to his family. Sure will miss running into Gene. May he rest in peace
Eric Brown
Scott, Gene and Lori and your families, Laura and I are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this most difficult time.
Doug Lavenburg
I love Popeye! What a intelligent and skillful man who has a heart for his family that is bigger than life itself! He will be sorely missed along the shores of Delaware. What a great friend I had in Gene Reynolds.
Tom Cline
Gene, Was a real pleasure working with you. You were a “ drivers friend to work for. Some of the jokes, and your smiling face are making me smile now. RIP Pal.
Rob Hutchison
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a great guy, and like his racks,
“strong and beautiful “.
As a younger man I remember a trip to Cape Hatteras and we ran into Gene, Dwight, and Clark Beck. Needless to say it was a good time!
My condolences to his family.
Brenda Smith
Thinking of you all and exending heartfelt condolences. To a life well-lived. May the million memories bring you comfort. Rest in peace,
Janet Poultney Henderson
I am so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. The Poultney family has fond memories of him..
William Morton
I was sorry to hear that Gene had passed away.His brother Dwight called me.I want to thank Dwight for letting me know.I originally met Gene sometime in the Eighties in our interest in fishing and casting .He and I were on the Delaware Surfcaster casting team.I still remember those times and the fun we had.Gene was one of those special people that you meet in life and always enjoyed being with.Gene was smart,friendly, funny, witty,and just a good person.I will always regret not seeing him one more time.My condolences to his family.W.A.Morton lll
Dan Reel
Rest in Peace Old friend I will always remember the Sport Cast days. And the look on your face when I had a idea for one of my surf racks. My prayers to your family! Tight Lines in Heaven!
Michele Miller-Karpovich
Gene was always such a great friend of my father Rob(Bobby) Miller. His wonderful personality and humor will be missed. So very sorry for your loss
Kathy Wolfenden
Rest in peace Popeye. I will miss our little chats and all the smiles and waves as I would come and go from my house. You were a blessing in my life.