Deacon David Mark Reynolds, 60, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on March 25, 2025, in Norfolk. Born on August 7, 1964, in Abingdon, Virginia, David lived a life marked by service, love, and unwavering faith.
David served honorably in the United States Army, where he earned an Army Service Ribbon and was recognized as a Sharpshooter with the M-16 rifle and an expert in hand grenade use. His dedication to his country was just one facet of a life devoted to helping others.
A man of deep faith, David grew up attending First Assembly of God. Later in life, after moving to Norfolk, he rededicated his life to Jesus and was ordained as a Deacon at The Ministry of Freedom. His spiritual journey was central to his identity and guided his actions throughout his life.
David’s heart for children led him to dedicate much of his life to the foster care system. Over the years, he opened his home and heart to more than 100 foster children, each one holding a special place in his life. He also found joy in coaching youth sports, including The Honey Bees softball team back in his hometown of Abingdon.
He was known for his larger-than-life personality—funny, kind, and always loud enough to be heard across any room. Those who knew him can still hear him say with conviction, “The truth will stand when the world is on fire,” or chuckle at his favorite quip: “He’s as lost as last year’s Easter egg.”
David had many passions that brought him joy. He loved watching NASCAR, wrestling—especially Wrestlemania with his daughter Savannah—and football. He had a deep affection for reptiles and maintained an impressive collection of CDs and movies. Among hundreds of titles in his collection, Beauty and the Beast remained his all-time favorite film. His favorite meal was grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, though he never missed a chance to enjoy his brother-in-law Rob’s homemade chili.
David leaves behind a loving and expansive family. He is survived by his fiancée Cyndi Wilder; brother Pastor Jerry Hall; daughters Savannah “Sunshine” Reynolds (Justin Harrison) and Angel Willis; sons Mark Widener Reynolds and J-Jay Murray; sisters Debbie Herbert (Rob Herbert) and Connie Gobble (Daniel Gobble); numerous foster children who were all special to him; several nieces and nephews; and extended family members.
He also held close bonds with loved ones across Norfolk and Indiana: Rita and Mike Flowers; Randy and Erin Hall; Bethany and Morgan Hall; Terra Sexton (“Gammy”); Lexie, Matthew, and baby Ayla Waltson. In Kentucky, he shared special connections with Homer (Austin) and Jessica Tackett and their children Keva and Noah.
David was preceded in death by his parents Harold Gene Reynolds and Geneva Frances Reynolds; wife Sheila Ann Reynolds; niece Elizabeth Ann Eisenhutt.
To our beloved fiancé, brother, dad, friend, uncle, and grandpa to many throughout the course of his life—we love you deeply. Shine on bright like the sunflowers you cherished.
May your memory bring comfort to all who knew you.
We will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering in the very near future. We will share those details via Facebook and through private message if we have your contact information.