Don Roland Reynolds
Dr. Don Roland Reynolds, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, after a very brief battle with Glioblastoma.
He was born in Philadelphia, Tn. on April 2, 1940, to Olga Lee and William Boyd Reynolds, who preceded him in death. He was a 1958 graduate of Tyner High School, and after graduation, he entered the University of Tennessee in a pre-dental program and started dental school at UT Memphis in 1961. In 1964, he entered the U.S. Navy as a dental officer and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Released from active duty in 1966. Dr. Reynolds opened a private practice in Red Bank, where here and in Hixson, he practiced general dentistry for 53 years. He enjoyed his profession and loved his patients and office family! He retired in December 2017.
He stayed in the Naval Reserve and was promoted to Captain in 1980. In 1986, he was selected as Commanding officer of the 4th Dental Battalion, 4th Marine Division, to provide dental care for the Marine Reserve. He retired from the Navy in 1991.
Dr. Reynolds was active with his profession’s organizations and was past President of the Chattanooga Area Dental Society, Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry and a Trustee for the National Academy of General Dentistry. He was a fellow in the AGD, fellow in the International College of Dentists and fellow in the American College of Dentists.
He was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church (presently a member of The Point Church at Signal), and in 1990, with his church, participated in his first mission trip to Honduras to provide medical/dental treatment to remote mountain villages, he did not anticipate the changes this mission trip would cause in his own life. In 1996, he became involved with Orphanage Emmanuel in Guaimaca, Honduras, and his true passion was for his work in Honduras. In August 2006, at the National Convention of the AGD, held in Colorado, he was presented the 2006 Humanitarian Award for his work in Honduras.
Dr. Reynolds loved people and never met a stranger. His quick wit and humorous personality will be remembered, and it can truly be said he “lived life to the fullest.”
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley B. Reynolds; sons, Donald Roland II, William Charles (Angela); brother, Jerry Reynolds; sister-in-Law, Betty Robinson; several nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation.
A graveside service with military honors, will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 1:30 p.m. Wearing a mask and “social distancing” must be adhered to at the cemetery, all attending should be in line at 1:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Orphanage Emmanuel, 715 Moores Mill Drive, Auburn, Al. 36830.
Special thanks and love to our “earth angel”, Mindy Grayson, who gave such good and loving care to Dr. Reynolds.
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services; 4506 Hixson Pike; 423-531-3975.