Randall Edward Reynolds
August 31, 1970 - August 25, 2012

Taken from those he loved much too soon, Randall Reynolds was a true blessing in the lives of those around him. He was never concerned about material possessions or receiving the praise of others, but he focused his full attention on deeply loving and selflessly serving countless others. A hopeless romantic, Randall made no secret of the fact that he was married to his best friend, and their love came full circle with the births of the daughters he adored. He taught us so much about life, courage, and compassion - his legacy a testament to a life well lived.

With the dawn of the 1970s many of the struggles from the prior decade continued to define us. There was a growing disillusionment of government and great strides made in both the civil rights and womens rights movements while the Vietnam War continued to divide us. It was during the heat of the summer in 1970 that a family of three was eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on August 31st when their healthy baby boy drew his first breath in Grand Haven, Michigan. Randall Edward was the middle of three children born to his parents, Richard Edwin and Mary Lou (Myers) Reynolds, and his birth was certainly something to remember. Mary Lou woke her husband at two oclock that morning, and the rush was on to get to the hospital. They barely made it before Randall was born, and he had the cutest button nose and eye-catching red hair.

In many ways Randall experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was raised in the family home in Grand Haven alongside his older brother, Robert, and younger sister, Krista. Randall was drawn to the water early in life and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed things like going to church with his family, playing drums in the family band, and going on family trips to places like Florida, Washington, D.C., and various amusement parks. Holidays were always special times to spend with family, and Randall also looked forward to family reunions. He got into Little League when he was younger and began playing the drums in church as he got older. Randall attended local schools where he made friends with ease. No matter where he went throughout his entire life people were always drawn to him. Randalls high school years found him at Grand Haven High School where he really tapped into his artistic talent. He went on to graduate from high school.

Life would never be the same for Randall after he attended a party at the Max Mini Mart where he made the acquaintance of the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Anjalyn Smith, and since he was a bit taken with her Randall was deeply disappointed when she gave a ride home to a friend that night, leaving the party. Although he thought he had lost his chance with Anjayln forever, imagine Randalls surprised delight when he walked in to the place where she was cutting hair a couple of years later. He wasnt going to miss his chance again, and he soon began dating the girl who never left his heart and mind. Deeply in love, the couple was married on August 21, 1993.

Together Randall and Anjalyn were blessed with two precious daughters, Makyla Rose and Randi Lynn, and they were the light of his life. He loved his girls with all his heart and cherished every moment he had with them. Randall was loving, encouraging, and a great provider whose most heartfelt desire in life was to see his girls succeed. Although he treasured his girls, his first love remained his beloved wife, and he was a true romantic at heart. In December of 2011 he came to Anjalyns work, flowers in hand, and got down on bended knee to ask her to renew their vows. She happily agreed, and a short time later the family spent nearly a month in Florida and watched Randall and his beloved wife profess their love for each other aboard the boat he named after their daughter, the Makyla Rose, on the Gulf of Mexico at Hernado Beach Yacht Club. For as long as he was able he worked hard as a self-employed carpenter in order to support his family.

Throughout his life Randall was a man of many interests, and these interests were even better when shared with those he loved. He and his family enjoyed off-road races, demolition derbies, horseback riding, and going to hockey games. The sailboat that Randall and Anjalyn renewed their vows on was a sailboat that he bought and completely refinished. He was more recently working on a second boat that he bought and appropriately named the Randi Lynn. Randall had a special place in his heart for German Shepherds, especially his beloved companion, Nicki, and he also enjoyed Texas Holdem and gardening in addition to boating and fishing.

The things to love about Randall were many. He was both generous and selfless - the sort of man who would give someone in need the shirt off his back. In fact, his wife was a bit angry to come home one day only to find her dryer, with the clothes still in it, missing because Randall had given it to someone he felt bad for. He was a man of great character and integrity who believed there were no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. Randall also encouraged others to believe in their dreams and to pursue them with a passion.

Randall and his loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when he was diagnosed with cancer nearly one year ago. He was in great amounts of pain, but he courageously faced his illness. The family enjoyed almost a month in Florida, and this past February they had a memorable trip to California complete with a visit to the Grammys.

A loving son and brother, devoted husband, loving father, and dear friend, Randall Reynolds was an extraordinary man in every way. He was passionate and generous, someone who wished for peace in the world around him. Life will never be the same without Randall here, but the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

Randall Edward Reynolds died Saturday, August 25, 2012. Randalls family includes his wife, Anjalyn of Grand Haven; 2 daughters, Makyla (Kevin Seevers) Reynolds & Randi Lynn Reynolds both of Grand Haven; parents, Richard & Mary Reynolds of Grand Haven; brother, Robert (Tonya) Reynolds of FL; sister, Krista (Ty) Davison of Grand Haven; parents-in-law, Ken (Joan) Smith of OH & Sheri (David) Weis of Ludington; sister-in-law, Julia (Jim) Wolf; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins. Services will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Resurrection Life Church with Bishop Ron Finger officiating. Interment at Robinson Township Cemetery. Visit with Randalls family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Grand Haven & Thursday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.

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