Preston A. Reynolds

Preston A. Reynolds passed away in Alameda, California, on May 10, 2026, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryne Simmons Voight Reynolds.

Preston was born on April 29, 1933, in Cornelia, Georgia, the youngest of five children. Though life eventually took him across the country, he remained connected to his Georgia roots and his family and friends in Gainesville.

After graduating from Gainesville High School, he initially planned to attend Georgia Tech and pursue a career in civil engineering. His path changed when he was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy. He graduated in June 1955 and entered Naval flight training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his designation as a naval aviator fifteen months later.

Preston served 20 years in the United States Navy, spending much of his career flying from aircraft carriers. He first flew propeller aircraft before transitioning to jets, ultimately logging more than 5,000 flight hours and over 1,000 carrier landings. He completed 3 deployments to Vietnam and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

While attending a Brenau Women’s College social event in Gainesville, Georgia, Preston met the former Kathryne Voight. Together they built a life that included many moves throughout his Navy career, with stations in Norfolk, Virginia; Pensacola, Florida; Hawaii; and eventually Alameda, California, where they settled permanently. They had one son, Preston Reynolds, Jr.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Preston worked in real estate in Alameda and remained involved in several local clubs and organizations. Preston and Kathy enjoyed traveling and camping together, especially visiting national parks throughout the western United States. He was also an avid train enthusiast and built an extensive backyard railroad as part of his involvement with the Garden Railroad Society.

Preston was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Reynolds, Sr., and his siblings: Ernest H. Reynolds, Jr. (Frances), LaVelle R. Haslett (George), Martha Lou Reynolds, and Tommie R. Truelove (Elmer).

He is survived by his son, Preston Reynolds, Jr.; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Budgy Reynolds, Hy Reynolds, and Kelly Reynolds Massaro, all of Gainesville, Georgia; George Truelove, Patti Truelove, Jerry Truelove, and Dixie Truelove, all of Clermont, Georgia; and Terry Haslett Glen of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Preston and Kathy will be laid to rest together at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with full military honors. Announced by W. R. Strickland & Sons, Clermont, GA