House Resolution 54

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. BILLY RAY REYNOLDS AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on November 29, 2019, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Billy Ray Reynolds, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, his community lost a wonderful friend and extraordinary musician with his passing, and now there is a hush in our hearts as we pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, a native of Mt. Olive, Mississippi, Mr. Reynolds was born October 6, 1940, to Joseph Bernice Tew and Annie Ruth Ingram Tew Allen, and was a world renowned singer, songwriter, musician, producer, composer, arranger, actor, writer and historian, whose fame in the music and entertainment industry are eclipsed only by his humility and thankfulness for having lived a life which had its origins in such humble beginnings; and

WHEREAS, with his musical expertise, Mr. Reynolds was perhaps best known during his early years as the rhythm guitarist for Waylon Jennings, and playing session guitar and singing harmony on some of the most iconic records Waylon Jennings ever produced; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Reynolds was an impressive, award-winning songwriter, with songs recorded by numerous esteemed artists, including Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Tanya Tucker, John Conlee, Toby Keith, Tompall Glaser, Eddy Arnold, Tom Jones, Jake Owen, Conway Twitty, Bobby Bare, Dickey Betts, and many other top artists with a career that spanned over three decades in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Reynolds also played guitar and was vocalist for the legendary steel guitarist, Pete Drake, and for many years was signed to Mr. Drake's publishing company, Window Music, which Reynolds helped to manage; and

WHEREAS, with his versatility as an actor, Mr. Reynolds landed multiple roles in the television and film industry, and served several years as the president of the Screen Actors Guild for Tennessee and Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Reynolds' proudest accomplishments in music derived from helping others achieve their dreams, and by forging meaningful professional relationships and friendships among those in the music industry; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, after having moved back to his beloved hometown, he met the love of his life, Lora Reynolds, at the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival near her home in Pensacola, Florida, and they soon married; and

WHEREAS, their collaboration surpassed mere attraction and allowed them to write and produce their own original country and spiritual songs to audiences from Nashville to Key West, and along the way, provide true meaning to their duet album's title cut, "Country Music Love Affair"; and

WHEREAS, as a man of exceptional character and honor, Mr. Reynolds made a difference in the lives of many, and will truly be missed by all, young and old; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal earlier and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Mr. Reynolds's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones, including: his wife, Lora Reynolds; brothers, Bobby Reynolds and J.B. Tew; sons, Damon Reynolds, Carson McHale, Brian Reynolds, Jesse Reynolds and Cleburne Reynolds; seven grandchildren; his beloved pets, "Mac" and "Peaches"; and a host of close relatives and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Reynolds' family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time because it is written in II Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the lives of outstanding individuals, especially those such as Mr. Reynolds, who certainly inspired everyone he knew and whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Billy Ray Reynolds and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Billy Ray Reynolds and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.