Robert (Bob) Richard Reynolds, (The Wiz, Old Third Fiddle), 79 of Springfield, IL, passed away at 12:48 PM Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at St. John's Hospital.

Bob was born September 16, 1944, in Springfield, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ruth (Mitts) Reynolds, grandparents, Clarence and Winifred (Unsbee) Reynolds, Robert and Emma (Campbell) Mitts, Uncle and Aunt Joel Baker and Pearl (Mitts) Strode.

Mourning his passing are his wife, Susan (Susie) Reynolds (Erk) of 58 years, three daughters, Melissa McKee, Petersburg, IL, Lori (Mike) Geist, Springfield, IL, Sarah (Joe) Kula, Springfield, IL. Nine grandchildren: Aeren (Collin) Cliburn, Logan Baskett, Dylan Donaldson (Alice Rawe), Kaytlyn (Dominic) Galassi, Keagan Baskett (Bry Long), Austyn Donaldson, Ryan Donaldson (Julia Boland), Brooke McKee (Camden Spencer), Emilie McKee (Nathan Spencer), one great grandson, Barrett Reese and Son-in-Law, Michael McKee

After graduating from Lanphier High School, Bob attended DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago where he met his wife. They married on October 2, 1965. Between the years 1966 to 1971, he spent two years in the US Navy active duty, patrolling the Mediterranean Sea during the Vietnam war. He received a letter of commendation for his service aboard the USS Thuban and a national defense service medal after serving on the USS Rockbridge before his honorable discharge from active duty. His remaining time was in the US Navy reserves. After his time in the Navy, he spent several years as an electronics technician at Sangamo Electric Company in Springfield, IL. Subsequently, he owned Kirman Battery Supply in Springfield, IL. After his career at Kirman Supply, he went to work for the City of Springfield sewer department from where he retired.

He really enjoyed spending time with his family, helping others, aviation and music.

He was an Advisor for Junior Achievement for many years, he flew an ultralight and was a past member of the following aviation clubs, Midwest Crop Hoppers and Heart of Illinois Ultralight Club. He also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 770 and was a former board member of the Illinois Pilots Association.

At the age of 76 he started playing the violin and in October 2023 participated in a 500-person bluegrass band concert in Owensboro, Kentucky, helping to set a world record. He enjoyed flying with his friends in several different types of planes, volunteering at the Charlie Wells Memorial Scholarship breakfasts and the annual Air Rendezvous shows at Springfield Capital Airport.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Animal Protective League in honor of Robert Richard Reynolds.

Graveside Services will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Friday January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Guests to arrive no earlier than 1:30 pm at the cemetery.

A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.