SERVICE INFORMATION: A memorial service for Royce Reynolds is Saturday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. at West Market Street United Methodist Church in Greensboro. The service will be livestreamed on the church website. Viewers should click on the LIVE WORSHIP button.
Below is a tribute that appeared in the Foundation’s annual report:
Mr. Royce Reynolds grew up in the 1930s on the family farm in east Tennessee. Determined “not to lead an average life,” he put himself through college selling Bibles door-to-door. In 1959, he traded Bibles for cars, eventually purchasing a Pontiac dealership in Greensboro, which he re-opened as Crown Pontiac. Over the next 25 years, he expanded Crown Automotive Group to include 10 additional dealerships selling 20 makes of new vehicles, a finance company, and a used car auto mall. Mr. Reynolds proudly exhibited a passion for Christian evangelism and a dedication to “the Great Commission” that led him to establish the Royce and Jane Reynolds Ministry Fund of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina. Created in 1998, the fund supports leadership development programs for clergy and annual ministry grants.
“Royce was always keen in his conviction that many leadership lessons and skills he had gleaned in the car business could translate into clergy leadership,” said Rev. Tom Latimer, chair of the Reynolds Ministries Team.
Hundreds of clergy have been shaped, challenged, and blessed by the generosity of Royce and Jane Reynolds through their participation in the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership, the Reynolds Leadership Academy for Evangelism and Discipleship, and the Reynolds Academy for Ministry Management. Over the years, millions of dollars have been distributed from the Reynolds Ministry Fund to innovative ministries around the globe that demonstrate a clear intention and ability to create disciples of Jesus Christ.
An Extraordinary Gift
In a year filled with fear and uncertainty, the fruition of a planned gift following Royce Reynolds’ death in May 2020 ensured that Christ’s message of hope will be shared with a world in great need. The bequest from the Reynolds serves as a lasting investment in endowing the Reynolds Ministry Fund for generations to come.
“Royce would be gratified, as is Jane, to know his passion and conviction are now carried on by the Foundation and our Western North Carolina Conference,” Latimer said. “From a generous distribution of mustard seed has come a mighty plant!”
The staff and board members of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina mourn the loss of Mr. Royce Reynolds yet celebrate his incredible legacy and remain dedicated to carrying out his vision.
We have one purpose – to make disciples for Christ.”
- Mr. Royce ReynoldsPhotos of Foundation happenings
Among the highlights are a visit from Bishop Ken Carter, and his wife, Pam, as well as a staff retreat at Starrette Farm. Click here to see photo
Remembering the life and ministry of Harley Dickson
A memorial service is Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. in Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska.
‘This is the heart of the church’
At Duke Memorial, a renovated ground level space embodies a spirit of hospitality that church leaders see as an essential part of their culture.
