Jerome “Jerry” Campbell Reynolds passed away on June 15, 2024 after complications from a broken hip. He was born September 5, 1937 in Wenatchee, WA to Dale and Dolly Reynolds.
The Reynolds family moved to Etna, CA in 1937 when Jerry was just an infant. He and his younger brother Richard attended Etna Elementary and Etna High School where Jerry graduated in 1955. After graduation Jerry enlisted in the US Navy where he served 3 years as an Electrician’s Mate. Jerry served on a ship in the Pacific Fleet and loved telling the story of the ceremony on board when the ship crossed the Equator.
In 1958 Jerry married Beverlee Coatney. They raised their 4 children in the log house on Scott Street in Etna that they built in 1962. Jerry was a jack of all trades. He was the manager of the Happy Camp branch of Scott Vally Bank in 1966 and later owned and operated Etna Hardware with his father-in-law, Jiggs Coatney. He was a building contractor, income tax preparer and operated Archie’s Pizza and Etna Theatre in the late 1980s. Jerry was very involved in the Etna community, serving on the Etna City Council, and as a member of the Etna Lions Club for many years where he served as president and Deputy District Governor. Jerry coached Little League baseball for many years and took his pennant-winning Braves to San Francisco several years in a row to watch the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park.
Jerry was most proud of the family he and Beverlee built. For several years he wore a hat that read “Ask me about my grandchildren”. He went to as many of his grandkids’ and great grandkids’ sporting events as he could. Jerry would brag to anybody who would listen about his “big family”: 4 kids, 10 grandkids and 14 great grandkids, soon to be 15. Jerry loved the San Francisco Giants and 49ers and the family grew up being big sports fans, carrying on the love of his San Francisco teams.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverlee, his children Lorilee Smith (Mike), Scott Reynolds (Stephanie) and Shellee Mittan. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Chelsea Yergensen (Erik), Ryan and Kyle Smith (Brooke), Erin and Tayler Reynolds, Jessica, Derek (Keely) and Chase Reynolds, Ciara McHale (Rory) and Delaney Grant (Rodney). His great grandchildren Jordan and Quinn Yergensen, Addeline, John and Aemelia Demery, Addisyn, Cale and Carter Brandon, Lana Reynolds, Isaiah, Henlee, Sydnee and Kyler Grant and Leo McHale, with baby McHale coming soon.
Jerry was pre-deceased by his brother Richard Reynolds, son Kevin Reynolds, son-in-law Billy Mittan and great grandson Daniel Reynolds.
There will be no official service but Jerry’s “big family” will gather soon for a Scott Street BBQ and game day. Friends and neighbors will be invited to join when the date is set.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Fairchild Medical for their loving care of Jerry during his time there. It was quite an ordeal for him but he was treated with great kindness and respect and we are very grateful for that care.
Source: Girdner Funeral Chapel
Jerry was one of my classmates, Etna High 1955, RIP