Ervin Lamar "E.L." Reynolds, Jr., 77, of Newberry, died on December 27, 2025.

Born on November 17, 1948, in Greenwood, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Catherine and Ervin Reynolds, Sr.

Before his retirement, E.L. dedicated 38 years of his life working for Asten Johnson Fabrics as a dryer operator. He was a hard worker who, even after a significant injury late in his career, managed to return to work after having to learn to walk again.

E.L.'s greatest joy came from his family. He believed that if you have a strong family, you have all you need to make it through even the most difficult of circumstances. He especially enjoyed time with his grandsons, Dalton and Hunter. They spent countless hours together learning about how to do all manner of things from Poppa, many of which he taught them in his own left-handed way.

He was a man of strong personal faith who felt that a simple life, dedicated to God and family, was the best life. He knew that forgiving others was an important part of being forgiven. In his passing, he would want each person to consider their own eternity, and if they have not, accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

E.L. is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Catherine Frye Reynolds; daughter, Nora Reynolds Sanders (Kenny); son, Robert "Bobby" Reynolds (Christy); grandsons, Hunter Sanders (Raegan), and Dalton Reynolds (Brooke); step-granddaughters, Krystal Cheatham (Josh), and Gabrielle Shealy (Austin); brothers-in-law, Alan Frye (Betty), and Billy Frye (Kim Timmerman); sister, Faye Dixion; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, E.L. is predeceased by sisters, Hilda Walkup, Theresa Crowder, and Janet Longshore; and brothers, Ronald Reynolds and Robert Reynolds.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:00 PM at Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service.

Active pallbearers will be Hunter Sanders, Dalton Reynolds, Scottie Koon, Britt Worthy, Ken York, and Steve Long.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Dorn, Wayne Perry, Randy Bass, Ricky Harvey, John Frye, Bobbie Long, Shannon York, and Garrett York.

Memories and messages may be left on his tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Reynolds family.