Margaret and Lentz Reynolds
Margaret Josephine DeArmond Reynolds, born June 15, 1936, and Cecil Lentz Reynolds Jr., born July 7, 1934, devoted wife and husband of 68 years, passed away within 72 hours of one another - Margaret on June 29, 2024, and Lentz on July 2, 2024. Their deep love and commitment to one another during their lives made it unsurprising that they departed so closely together.
Margaret attended Lenoir City High School, where she played the clarinet in the marching band. Lentz was a devoted alumnus of the McCallie School, class of 1952. He attended the University of Tennessee for his pre-dental courses. While at UT, he played first chair trumpet in the Pride of the Southland Band.
While Lentz was receiving his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis and Margaret her BS degree in education from Memphis State University, the two met at a “get-to-know-ya party,” and the rest is history! After marrying in 1956 and finishing their degrees, Margaret and Lentz moved to San Pedro, California, where Margaret taught high school in Long Beach and Lentz served as a Lieutenant in the United Stated Coast Guard as a dental officer and a member of the Commissioned Officers Association U.S.P.H.S.
They eventually moved back to Chattanooga to start a family. Lentz opened his dental practice of 43 years and Margaret taught school. She later held several offices in the Auxiliary to the Third Dental Society, including the Presidency. Margaret was also a member of the Chattanooga Symphony Guild and many other charitable organizations over the years. Lentz served as Board Chair of Citizens Bank and Trust, Inc., The Chattanooga Yacht Club, and many other organizations.
Margaret will be remembered for her love of laughter and feistiness, passion for gardening and tennis, and her strength and fortitude. Lentz will be remembered for quick wit, love for tennis and boating, and his strength of will and character. But Margaret and Lentz will both be remembered for their undying devotion and love of one another and their children and grandchildren.
Margaret was preceded in death by her mother, Nora Harbin DeArmond, and her father, Albert Curtis DeArmond. Lentz was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Reynolds, and his father, Cecil Lentz Reynolds Sr.
Margaret and Lentz are survived by daughter Lisa Reynolds (Dan) Shanahan of Chattanooga, son Cecil Lentz (Brooke) Reynolds III of Lookout Mountain, GA, and four grandchildren, Tara Margaret Shanahan of Nashville, TN, Torin Daniel Shanahan of Nashville, TN, Cecil Lentz Reynolds IV of Lookout Mountain, GA, and Rebecca Elaine Reynolds of Lookout Mountain, GA.
The family will be forever grateful to the devoted nurses and caregivers who supported Margaret and Lentz during their final months: Aging Care Management (especially owner Jeanie Christian, LeAnne Tatum, and Bailey Currie); Rite at Home (especially Deborah Hunter); Morning Pointe at Happy Valley; and Tapestry Hospice.
A graveside service for will be held for Margaret and Lentz on Tuesday, July 9, at 9:30 a.m., at Forest Hills Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN, with the Reverend Frank Hitchings officiating. Following the funeral service, there will be a celebration of life at 10:30 a.m., at the Lookout Mountain Club Golf Clubhouse, Lookout Mountain, GA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Margaret and C. Lentz Reynolds Jr., to Girls Preparatory School at GPS.edu/GIVE or the McCallie School at McCallie.org/GIVE.
View www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.