Kenneth N. Reynolds

It was William Shakespeare who declared that, "all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their entrances and exits; and one man in his time plays many parts.” This sentiment aptly describes the life of the late Kenneth Nikita Reynolds. Ken was born in the quiet district of Long Hill, in the parish of Westmoreland, in rural Jamaica to his proud parents Lynval and Whilda Reynolds on April 16, 1959. He was a very healthy child but rather short for his age and very accident prone . He was mischievous, daring and always exploring. He frequently teased/ provoked his siblings, cousins and friends to the point of annoyance, sometimes even outright anger. He received his early education at King's All Age School in Westmoreland, Jamaica before moving on to Dunn- Moodie High School in Black River. He was later transferred to Savanna-la-Mar Secondary School (now Godfrey Stewart High) from which he graduated in 1976. He remained an active member of the Godfrey Stewart High School Alumni Association to the very end. At the age of twenty one, young Kenneth, armed with his big dream for a "better life " headed for the bright lights of New York City. He later secured a job in the facilities department of the law firm: Reboul, Mac Murray, Hewitt, Maynard and Crystal. Shortly thereafter, the beautiful Ann- Marie ( Judy for him) caught his eyes and he was smitten for life. The romance blossomed and they were joined in holy matrimony on August 20, 1988. The union produced three beautiful children; Britni, Danyelle and Matthew. Ken then changed his job and moved to Crab Tree Mazda in New Rochelle, New York where he became a top salesperson, securing many awards. Ken was so versatile that he later moved to EQUIFAX, in New York, as an Insurance Investigator and continued there until EQUIFAX divested that department to Choice Point. He then moved to Georgia and continued working as an Insurance Investigator with Choice Point. In the year 2000, Ken ventured out on his own and started a business as a franchisee with Jani-King of Atlanta - a commercial cleaning company. He continued with this venture for approximately ten years but the desire to return to Jamaica (the land he truly loved) and walk in his father's footsteps as a farmer was so strong that he took some time out to pursue his dreams. Upon his return to Georgia, he took a job with the ABM (HHA) in management at DeKalb Hospital Medical Center, Main Campus, as a supervisor. He enjoyed his job and continued there until he was forced to retire due to ill health approximately two months ago. Ken loved life, and lived it to the fullest! He was a keen sportsman. In Jamaica, he was an avid and talented cricketer. He had ability to swing the ball and he would then literally blow away his opponent with his medium pace bowling. In the United States, he developed a passion for dominoes and was always boasting about giving his opponent "six- love.” His main rival was his good friend, Constantine Angus whom he affectionately called Gus. His regular partner, for over twenty years, was Bryan Casserly, and when available his brother Derrick who remained in New York. He was introduced to Golf by Al Hallam and they often played together. He was always ready for a game and would go on golfing trips to Jamaica and here in the United States. He was also good at soccer and board games but whatever game he participated in he was highly competitive and played to win - at all cost. Ken was a real family man. He loved his family dearly and his family loved him right back. In fact, he was the "linchpin” of the family and acted as our own information network system, ensuring that everyone was informed about family events. He also tracked family members who had fallen off the radar and restored them. Upon learning about Ken's passing, one such family member wrote of him: "You were the most inclusive person I know. You truly knew the meaning of family. You reached out to everyone who came under the banner of family. I am glad I got to know the real you. I will truly miss you." Thanksgiving was a special time for the entire Reynolds family and every year family members would gather in one home for the weekend to fellowship and worship together. Ken was usually the self designated manager and would ensure that everyone except himself was assigned duties. That left him enough time to go around and tease everyone. We will never forget last Thanksgiving and the effort he made to be with us although his health had started to deteriorate. His family members described him as kind, compassionate, jovial, fun-loving, fashionable, and a real family man. Ken was a man of faith and a searcher for the truth. He accepted the Lord as his savior at the Bronxwood Ave. New Testament Church of God in New York City and was baptized by Pastor Kenneth Ferguson in the 1980's. He later served the church as a Deacon. After his move to Georgia, he worshipped at Faith Christian Center where he also served as a Deacon. Later he attended the Lion Heart Church. His search for physical healing led him to Wildwood Lifestyle Center in Wildwood, Georgia where he decided to become a member of the Adventist Church. He was received into fellowship at the Emmanuel Seventh Day Adventist Church by Pastor Patrick Carter, just weeks ago. Today we praise and thank God for the measure of the man Kenneth Reynolds! His measure was great! Like Moses he used what God gave him; faith, love, prayer, time and talent; like Job he experienced hardship and suffering, especially during his battle with cancer, but he trusted God and held on to his integrity. Like Paul he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; like David he fulfilled his purpose in his generation. Ken has fought a good fight. He has finished his course, He has kept the faith. He is gone from us but he lives on in everyone whose life he has touched. He taught us what is important and that is: to live a good life, love one another and give of your best to the Master. With this legacy we will continue his path. Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Reynolds will be held 10AM Friday, May 26, 2017 at Emmanuel SDA Church 1780 Rock Chapel Rd Lithonia,GA 30058. Interment Hillandale Memorial Gardens. Visitation Thursday from 10-8 with Family Hour 6-8. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes Inc., 404-294-5500. The family will be streaming live Kenneth's homegoing service and below are the instructions: Our links are EmmanuelSDAlive.com or FB live, become a friend

Tributes

Kenneth N. Reynolds

April 16, 1959 - May 14, 2017