Obituary of Norris Layne Reynolds

Springville – Norris (Layne) Reynolds, 82, of Springville, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at his residence. Born May 28, 1939, he was the son of Raymond and Esther (Davis) Reynolds. He was a graduate of Oolitic High School with the class of 1957. As a young man, he was an avid hunter and hard worker. He worked at Victor Oolitic Stone and at Pal Deckard Ford as a service manager. In 1983, he left Stone City Construction after 40 years and concentrated full-time on his excavating business, Reynolds Excavating in Lawrence County and surrounding area. He was a member of Operating Engineers #181. On February 14, 1981, he married the love of his life, Julia VanTine and they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. As a couple, they were members of the Avoca Baptist Church and more recently, attended the Popcorn Christian Church. Together, they worked his business and shared a passion for antique tractors, especially Allis-Chalmers. He restored many through the years, including his childhood tractor. He and his tractor family and friends participated in many parades and tractor shows all around. He was a member of Tri-County Tractors and Allis-Chalmers (AC) Partners and attended the gathering of the Orange. He also took part in the Elnora Antique Tractor Show, displaying 10-12 tractors for the past 15 years. Survivors include his wife, Julia; a sister, Connie Jackson (Steve), of Florida; children, Norris Gene Reynolds (Catherine), of Bloomington, Loretta Kay Denny (Perry), of Bedford, Jenny Lynn Reynolds, of Mitchell; step-daughters, Teresa Fillingim and Susan Leaty, both of Bedford; grandchildren, Eric England (Michelle), of Bedford, Shari Mullins (Randy), of Martinsville, Sommer Hilderbrand (Sam), of Columbus, Trent Fillingim, Branagan Leaty, Burgundee Leaty, Cutler Leaty and Jerrika Smoot (Blake), all of Bedford, Amanda White, of Mitchell, Bill Denny (Misty), of Terre Haute, Wes Denny (Jealesa), of Gentryville, Brian Denny, of Fontanet, Caitlin Martin and Robert Martin, both of Pennsylvania; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gerald and Roger; a sister, Christina Miller (Ron); a grandson, Steven Whitner. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 11th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Bob Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Lowder Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 10th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Layne loved his hometown of Springville and hosted many community July 4th celebrations and fish frys. He was an active member of the local community group helping with the annual festival, and helping to build the community park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Springville Gym Restoration. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.