Robert "Bob" Charles Reynolds, Sr., Ph.D., passed away on October 11, 2017, in Pensacola, Florida, at the age of 83, after a two-year-long battle with prostate cancer.

Bob was born on February 14, 1934, in Norfolk, Va., to C.J. and Lala (McCollough) Reynolds. Because his father served in the navy, Bob enjoyed the opportunity of living in a varied geography as he grew up; Virginia, California, Alabama and Florida were among places he called "home."

Bob graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1956, where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Naval R.O.T.C. He was awarded a Ph.D. in English from the University of Florida in 1965.

An English professor and Shakespearean scholar, he taught for 30 years at West Georgia College. Bob labored for hours on his carefully handwritten lecture notes and was renowned among friends and family for his capacity to recite long passages of literary masterpieces. His students often remarked on his witty humor and compelling lecture style. In 1996, he was recognized by the Honors College with The Homer Award for Meritorious Service and Pedagogy. Bob's passion for reading, literature, and language lives on in his children, extended family, and many friends.

Having learned the game of tennis as a high school student, Bob taught both of his children to play and spent summers driving them around to weekly tournaments in Southern towns. His love of tennis and pursuit of the perfect serve continued throughout his life – many local players enjoyed his enthusiastic support.

Bob is perhaps best known as a man who took an interest in the people he met in everyday life. He learned and remembered the names of grocery store clerks, medical office personnel, and assisted living staff, among others. His genuine concern for people's well-being as well as his delightful humor encouraged the hearts of many.

Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen, who died as an infant, and his parents. He is survived by his son, Robert Charles Reynolds, Jr. (Denise Barnes, fiancée) of Portland, OR; daughter, Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage (Kirby) of Pensacola; grandchildren, Caitlin Mae Reynolds of Portland, Casey LiLi Reynolds of Portland; Kirby Loftin Turnage IV (Amy Anne) of Atlanta, GA, Jacqueline Joy Turnage Roelofs (Matthew) of Atlanta, Mary Elizabeth Turnage Blake (Caleb) of Jackson, MS, and Robert Reynolds Turnage of Pensacola.

The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Greskovich III, Dr. Alejandro Inclan, the staff of Woodlands Medical Center, the staff of Summer Vista Assisted Living Facility, and Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate and skilled care.

Visitation will be held 10:00am until a Memorial Service begins at 10:30am Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Joel Treick officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the USTA Foundation at http://www.ustafoundation.com .