Joe Alton Reynolds

Legacy of Joe’s Life Joe Alton Reynolds was born in a tent in Denver City, Texas on August 19, 1940 to a loving mother Lois Dale McNeil and his father Albert Reynolds. At age 74, “Papa” Joe passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2015 after suffering a decade long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He passed away with his longtime partner Minda Swars and son Joel Reynolds by his side in the hospital emergency room. Joe was a graduate of James Marshall High School in 1958. He learned to read in the 9th grade, and credits Mrs. Camp for noticing his inability to read and write. While in school, Joe was a proud paper boy, migrant farmworker picking fruit in California and concessions salesman for the Stockton Ports baseball team. He also started as a “box boy” for “Old Man” Raley in the grocery business. He joined the army after graduating high school and spent several years in Berlin Germany guarding WWII Nazi war criminals. He worked in the grocery business for 39 years and ended his career with Lucky’s stores. Joe Reynolds left a loving legacy of three children, Tina Caffero, Monica Smith and Joel Reynolds. He spent his last 15 years with his loving partner Minda Swars. Joe had lifelong passions for health and fitness, chess, finance and fast food. His mother was single when raising Joe and Joe grew up in restaurants watching his mother work as a waitress. He never lost the comforting feeling of visiting restaurants, especially fast food. His mother worked in one of the original Carl’s Jr. Restaurants. His passion for finance grew as he would meet customers as a clerk in the “rich” part of Sacramento. He credits his customers for encouraging him to save and invest. His passion for health and fitness started in high school when he joined the barbell club of former Mr. Universe, Bill Pearl. Joe was proud to be an amateur bodybuilder in a time when it was unpopular. Joe’s passion for chess grew when he was an adult. He was a ranked chess master and only stopped playing when his Parkinson’s disease interfered with his gameplay. Joe loved to share his passions with family and friends, on his last day alive; he shared a game of chess with his caretaker and also visited his favorite breakfast spot, McDonald’s. Joe was completely selfless, humble, kind, loving and devoted. As his son, I credit him for teaching me how to be a loving father to my children. I feel blessed to be his son. We spent nearly every weekend of my adult life together. Even as he was dying, he still put his needs last. I’ll never forget his everlasting love, assistance, friendship, passions and advice. (Thank you for being the perfect dad). Joe is survived by his daughters Tina Caffero and Monica Smith. His son Joel Reynolds. His 11 grandchildren. The family of Joe would like to thank his friends, caretakers, and rescuers. Joe went through life as what he called himself a “Lucky Bum,” and he loved life and every situation that came his way. He was always smiling and cracking jokes even when he was suffering through tough battles with his Parkinson’s disease. However, in his final months, his Parkinson’s got progressively worse. He loved Jesus so much and as he suffered with the uncontrollable shaking of Parkinson’s he would pray non-stop and cry out to God. It was very difficult to see him change. Please, in lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Finding a cure was our main source for hope when my dad was alive. In Joe’s memory love is left. Please take my Dad’s final words of advice to me and “go to church.” May you rest in peace. Memorial Service will be August 14th 2015 @ 10:30 am Citrus Heights Friends Church 7070 Woodmore Oaks Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 Burial Ceremony will be on August 19th 2015 @ 2:30 PM Sacramento Valley National Cemetery 5810 Midway Road, Dixon CA 95620

Joe Alton Reynolds

August 19, 1940 - August 2, 2015