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.
9 comments
Shirley M Dauzat
September 17, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Bebee, I just learned of your husband, Les’ death. I never met him, but know how much you loved him. I feel your pain, as I too just lost my husband, Ryan on Aug. 30, 2024. You are in my prayers.
May he rest in our Lord’s Heavenly Home. 💔💖. Shirley Marino Dauzat
Barbara Dixon
September 9, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Oh my gosh BeBee. I just found out about Les. If I would have known, you know I would have been there. My heart aches for you. I am so sorry. You were an amazing couple. Everyone always wanted to be with you’ll. You were such a loving couple. I always had a blast, when I was at your home and there was never a better cook than you. Tin Lizzy, here we come. We have so many great memories. It will be a year on September 21st, that Vince passed away. Renee just told me that you are sick. I hope and pray God touches you and heals you quickly. Call me when you feel like having company and I will take off and come see you. Love you.
Ken Kenelly
September 5, 2024 at 5:26 pm
I will always remember the laughter and good times we had being around Les. He was a friend who would always bring a smile to everyone’s face. May God bless Bebee and all of Les’s family.
Grant Gravois
September 4, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Condolences to the family. Les was a wonderful person, and I am glad we were able to cross paths. May he rest in peace.
Dave Bodi
September 4, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Annette and I are praying for the family during their mourning and know they will truly miss Les everyday. We are also celebrating with the family that preceded him in death when he joins them. We have very fond memories of Les playing golf over the years. Unfortunately we now live most of our life in Puerto Rico and will not be able attend funeral.
Howard Goldman
September 2, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Les was a good man,friend and Cousin.His Arizona family,the Goldmans & Woodlings,will miss him
a lot.He always made everyone smile just being around him.He often said we were more like brothers,which is true.Les is in a great place now.Rest in peace Les.
George Helmke
September 2, 2024 at 12:18 am
Be at peace, Bebee….The Good Lord is partial to fishermen…..Peter, Andrew, James, and John, the nucleus of the Apostles, were fishermen…..He’s in good hands…..God bless him and you both……
Stuart Stewart
September 1, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Condolences to the family.
Stuart Stewart and Richard Maloney
Linda Morris
September 1, 2024 at 4:34 pm
I thank god daily for allowing me to spend time with this amazing man. He talked about his love for his call of duty and the love of his home. The last few days I would turn country gospel music on the T.v and he would humm to the music. At one point I was able to see him raise his hands in honor of Jesus. I believe God was preparing him for his going home. I know Les has signs there was a bird that flew in the house and he kept telling us he saw a bird in the house. Never under estimate what one is telling you no matter what state of mind they are in. I believe in my heart Les is in the arms of Jesus the minute he took his last breath. Rest in peace Les God has a great warrior in Heaven for him. One day we will meet again.