Billy Ray Reynolds, self-proclaimed AIO (Arizona-improved Okie), graduated from this life on July 26. Bill loved his family and friends, and the Lord; he loved making people happy with a helping hand, a story or joke, and never met a stranger.
Billy Ray was born on July 10, 1938 in Stratford, Oklahoma to Mance Hailey Reynolds and Beatrice Burnett. He was the second of four children; he doted on his baby sisters and adored his mom and his grandma Maggie Burnett, who helped raised him.
His early years were spent in Oklahoma. His love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors was born tagging along with his mom’s brothers and uncles, and an assortment of cousins. He learned love of family and the value of hard work from his Burnett relatives and working with his mom, stepdad Milton Roberts, and other family members picking fruit in the summers in Arizona and California. He and his mom joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona; he was a faithful member the rest of his life.
He graduated from Tempe High School. After a few years farming citrus, cowboying, and rodeoing, he served a two-and-a-half-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest Indian Mission. He went on to serve roughly two years in the United States Army.
Bill was a master carpenter – he could build anything anyone could imagine – and had an uncommon green thumb – he could grow anything. He worked as an appraiser and building inspector for Farmers Home Administration in Arizona; helped run citrus orchards at the Deseret Ranches in Florida; and worked as a carpenter at Apache Powder Company in St. David, Arizona.
Bill married the love of his life, Arlyce Mynoa Merritt, and they enjoyed 53 years together, including serving an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Kentucky Louisville Mission based in Robinson, Illinois. His greatest happiness was his family and proudest legacy was his daughter and six sons and their spouses – Arlissa; Brawner and Melissa; Olen and Molly; Haskel and Valerie; Clar and Kristen; Madison and Leena; and Houston and Cara, his 32 grandchildren and their spouses, and his great-granddaughter. Spending time with his family was always a top priority from camping, hunting, and fishing to roadtripping to weeding the garden, and doing honey-do-this jobs. He sacrificed all for his family’s happiness.
Services will be held Saturday, August 7th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Mesa South Stake Building at 2334 E. Pueblo Avenue (9 a.m. viewing and 10 a.m. funeral). The funeral services will be shared via Zoom A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, August 6th at the Bunker Family Garden Chapel at 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa. A graveside service will be held at the Virden Cemetery in Virden, New Mexico. For details, please contact a member of the Reynolds Family. The funeral services on August 7th will be shared via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92679461756?pwd=dlZXb1J5bVRhQTNRVUdaYnd5R3NQUT09
Meeting ID: 926 7946 1756
Passcode: 096984
To each and all of this family, I extend my heart-felt condolence. Billy Ray is one of my best and most enjoyable friends; and even more so with his adorable Arlyce and their children. His influence in my life began well before Billy Ray confirmed my baptism and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost in May, 1962.
May Heavenly Father’s blessings abide with you, each and all.
I had the pleasure to work with Billy Ray about 30 years ago. He was a fine craftsman and a truly nice person.
Dear Arlce, you have our deepest sympathy to you dear lady and your family. So sad to hear. Love to all. God will get you through this sorrow. 😢❤️
We love this great man, Billy Ray Reynolds! His happy smile and genuine goodness will be a lasting memory for us. We pray for the Spirit of Peace to be with sweet Arlyce and their wonderful family. They will be a growing legacy for Billy of his remarkable abilities as a father and grandfather. Sending you all our love and prayers.
Dear Arlyce, I like to think Dave and I had something to do with you two great friends getting together. I know you met as my bridesmaid and Dave’s groomsman at our wedding. At least that was the start. How we love and admire both of you. Dave and Bill will already be reunited and now you and I will do our best to return to be with them. May the peace we have felt be with you as well. Much love and blessings to you and your family! Love Norma (and Dave)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family May God give you peace, comfort and strength through this difficult time.
So sorry for your family loss. Due to prior commitments I was unable to attend the wonderful service. But my heart was there. Brother Reynolds. treated all with such love. I pray that the family finds comfort while moving forward from their loss. I truly love the Reynolds family. May the be with them.