In Memory of Rev. Roy Winston Reynolds (July 10, 1944 − April 22, 2026)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Roy Winston Reynolds, who died on April 22, 2026, at the age of 81.

Roy was born on July 10, 1944, to Paul J. and Mabel Reynolds. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky in 1968. His senior thesis, “Low-Cost Housing for the Appalachian People of Eastern Kentucky”, grounded him in a natural and soulful inquiry that guided his intuitive, imaginal-creative discernment throughout his adult life. From 1969 to 1973, he served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Misawa, Japan. After his military service, Roy pursued a Master’s in Regional and City Planning, graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1975. He then worked as an urban planner for fifteen years: one year in Alabama and fourteen in Oklahoma, where he contributed to the thoughtful development of the community he served. In 1982, Roy married Jean Lamer. In 1986, he followed a new calling and began theological studies at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California. He received his Master of Divinity in 1989.

The Rev. Reynolds was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on October 12, 1989. He served as an extension minister at the Williamsburg UU in Virginia (1989–1992) and as a settled minister at the Northwest UU Congregation in Sandy Springs, Georgia (1992–2000). He then served as a consulting minister in Mississippi for two congregations: Our Home Universalist Unitarian Church in Ellisville (2001–2004) and the UU Church of Jackson (2001–2004). From 2006 to 2008, the Rev. Reynolds served as an interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta, Georgia. In Augusta, his workshops on transitions, gifts, and appreciative inquiry helped the congregation understand itself more deeply and transition to a program church. He continued his interim ministry at the UU Congregation of Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia (2008–2011) and at the UUs of the Cumberland Valley in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania (2011–2012).

The Rev. Reynolds’ ministry was defined by compassion, inclusivity, and a steadfast belief in the power of community. He was exceptionally gifted in administration, helping the congregation strengthen its organization, committee structures, and new-member integration. He listened to the congregations’ longings and drew on spiritual and ethical sources of meaning while remaining attentive to what was emerging in the present moment. His visionary leadership was grounded in empathy and in wisdom from contemplative, collaborative, and creative practices of deep discernment.

The Rev. Reynolds served the denomination as treasurer of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association (UUMA) from 2006 to 2009. In community, he was a dedicated member of the Heart Circle, TAO Group, and Natural Inclusionality. His life’s work reflected his belief in the importance of connection, understanding, and service to others.

Roy enjoyed music, dance, and creating rhythms by hamboning, drums, and spoons. An entertainer at the core, he was always ready to share laughter with those around him. He was a scholar and an avid reader who cherished his extensive book collection. He also enjoyed playing pool and golf and was a skilled masseur who brought comfort and relaxation to others.

Roy is survived by his wife, Jean Lamer; his daughter, Tonya Ricks (David); his grandson, Braden Ricks (Bria); and his great-grandchildren, Beckett, Bonnie, and Brysse Ricks. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Buckner; his brother, Joseph Reynolds; his niece and caregiver, Tiffany Buckner Sholar; his nieces, Kaithlyn Paschall and Makayla Sachse, and their mother, Dianna Pettit; along with many treasured grandnieces and grandnephews.

A memorial service celebrating Roy’s life was held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Morehead, 227 E Main St, Morehead, KY 40351.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness and community service in Roy’s memory, honoring his lifelong dedication to compassion, music, and unity.

Notes of condolence may be shared here.