George F. Reynolds Sr., 77

FRANKLIN — George Francis Reynolds Sr., 77, a resident of Franklin for more than over 45 years, died Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the CRVNA Hospice House in Concord following a short period of failing health.

George was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Dec. 17, 1940, son of the late, John and Edith (Allen) Reynolds. He moved from Brunswick, Maine, to Franklin more than 45 years ago.

A professional chef, George traveled extensively with his family throughout the country, working for many renowned restaurants and resorts. He worked for several years at the Mountain View Grand in Whitefield. He finally left his profession and worked for more than 27 years with the local Twin Rivers Ambulance Service.

George had the gift to gab and was a known storyteller. To those who knew him, George would always be there for someone who needed help with anything.

He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Franklin Fire Department from 1974 until 1990. He began with service on Engine Company 3, becoming a lieutenant in 1982. He resigned from Engine Co. 3 and became a member of the Rescue Squad serving as lieutenant training officer with the Fire Department. George was a longtime local Mason, and at the time of his death was a member of the Doric Centre Lodge 20, F&AM in Tilton.

He was a lover of animals and always had a dog in his home. He enjoyed his motorcycles and trikes. George was a member and former vice president of the Widow’s Sons Motor Cycle Club of Masons. This brought great rewards to George, gaining many new friends during his travels.

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Bette (Boynton) Reynolds who died in 2015.

He leaves his sons, Ronald Reynolds and wife Susan of Lawton, Oklahoma; Edward Reynolds and wife Saralee of Northfield; Patrick Reynolds and his wife Lisa of Charlotte, North Carolina; and George Reynolds Jr. and wife Tracy of Northfield; his daughter, Robin LaCourse of Franklin; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; his sister and family, Dorothy L. Riley, of Westford, Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews

Calling hours will be held, Sunday, April 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road (584 W. Main St.) in Tilton. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 2:45 p.m. during calling hours.

A celebration of George’s life will be held following calling hours at the VFW Post 1698, Peabody Place, in Franklin. Friends and family are urged to attend to share the many memories each has of time spent with George over the years.

For those who wish, George would be pleased that memorial contributions were made in his memory, to the Franklin Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 265, Franklin, NH 03235-0265.

For more information, go to www.smartfuneralhome.com.