Harlan Lester “Les” Reynolds
March 15, 1938 – August 31, 2024
Harlan Lester Reynolds, affectionately known to many as “Les,” passed away peacefully at his home on August 31, 2024, in Springfield, Louisiana. At 86 years old, Les lived a life rich with experiences, love, and laughter. Born on March 15, 1938, in Phoenix, Arizona, Les was the cherished son of Fred Reynolds, who came from St. John’s, New Brunswick, Canada, and Miriam Evelyn Reynolds, from Pasadena, California. His upbringing was marked by the values of hard work, loyalty, and a deep sense of duty, qualities that would define his entire life.
Les was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Robert “Bob” Reynolds, his brother-in-law Anthony “AJ” Roppolo, his sister-in-law Jeanette “Mitzi” Pitalo, and his two precious daughters, Kelly Sue Reynolds and Vicki Lynn Reynolds, who both left this world far too soon.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia “BeBee” Reynolds, with whom he shared an extraordinary bond of love and companionship. Married on March 20, 1981, Les and BeBee built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and a deep love for each other. Together, they were fondly known as “River Rats,” a nickname earned by their vibrant and joyful life on the Tickfaw River in Killian. Their home was a gathering place for friends and family, where the sound of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses was a constant backdrop to the love they shared with all who visited.
Les is also survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Roppolo Sr., his sisters-in-law, Linda Roppolo, Mitzie Roppolo, and Elizabeth Reynolds, all of his beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his close friends on the Tickfaw River, who will forever treasure the memories they created together.
Les was a proud veteran, having served his country with honor in the United States Coast Guard. His time in the service instilled in him a deep sense of pride and responsibility, traits that he carried into his professional life as a State Farm Insurance Agent. Les dedicated many years to his career, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. His work was more than just a job; it was an opportunity to help others, a calling he took to heart.
Beyond his professional life, Les was a man of many passions. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, finding peace and joy in the quiet moments spent on the golf course or by the water’s edge. His love for LSU sports was legendary, and Saturdays in the fall were sacred times, filled with the excitement of cheering on his beloved Tigers. Les’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he never missed an opportunity to share his love for the game with those around him.
In his retirement years, Les discovered a new passion for building beautiful birdhouses, which he lovingly crafted for his friends and family. These birdhouses were more than just structures; they were gifts from the heart, reflecting Les’s love for nature and his desire to bring joy to those around him.
Les’s life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and living each day to the fullest. His joyful spirit, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Les touched the lives of many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
A memorial visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs on Thursday, September 5, 2024 beginning at 4:00pm.. Memorial services will be at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please sign the online guestbook.