Obituary of Marilyn M. Reynolds

Marilyn Marguerite Culver Reynolds peacefully died on 14 September 2021 after beautifully gracing this world for 85 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Merlyn M, and Helen Johnson Culver, her brother Jon M Culver, and her husband Robert Gordon Reynolds. She felt blessed by her fast-paced childhood with her boat racing family in Ohio. They traveled all over the US and Mexico showcasing the Mercury engine which her father was a chief engineer. Marilyn got a kick out of telling the stories of her own racing experiences—winning the Powder Puff Derby in Dean Chenoweth's boat was a highlight. She was both a tomboy messing with boats with her brother and father and a lover of arts and all things beautiful. Marilyn went one year to the University of Florida along with her brother. Once he graduated, she went to the William Woods women's college. That did not last long, she zipped back south to Florida Southern and never left. She was a proud Kappa Delta sister. On campus her bright red ponytail caught the eye of Gordon and he swept her off her feet into a sixty-two-year love story marriage. Together Marilyn and Gordon built Aircat Airboats and Hurricane Harbor Marine as they grew a family in Winter Haven. Once the business was secure, Marilyn concentrated on raising the five kids. She followed her own mother's example and became a Girl Scout leader for many years. She was President of the Heart of Florida Girl Scout Council. She was a member of the Winter Haven Garden Club, PEO chapter U, Junior League, and Grace Lutheran Church. Later she joined Faith Lutheran Church, Rotonda. She was a board member of the Winter Haven Hospital where she was an early champion of Patient Centered Care. While doing all this she always found the time to have fun and enjoy her art. She taught all five kids how to water ski and do Cypress Gardens ballet stunts (aka, how to fall gracefully). She was never far from her paint brush—dabbling murals on a houseboat to painting watercolor birthday cards. Once Gordon and Marilyn were able to semi-retire, they moved to Lake Hatchineha where they enjoyed air boating and house boating at their leisure. They had so much fun with their Fat Men's Club friends. When they could fully retire, they moved to Cape Haze where they took a little cinder block house and made it into a slice of paradise. They kept their doors open wide for friends and family to visit. They enjoyed over two decades of salt water life as they made even more friends. Marilyn was the kind of gracious hostess that made it look easy—she was always ready for a party. She had a grateful heart giving God thanks for the love she knew through friends and family. Before Gordon died, he penned a poem to be read to his bride at his death. To Marilyn, My Love Please throw my ass in Gasparilla Pass, That's where I'd like to be. I'll start our home of shell and coral, With a path of pearls and a seafoam tree. But take your time, my dear, It'll take a while for me to drift about, And scout the best parts of the Sea, Then we'll take exotic journeys, Free from bills, chinch bugs or pain, And we'll float by coconut beaches, Off the Coast of Spain. Our friends will be a billion fish, turtles, albacore, And best of all we'll be together again, And that's by God's for shore! Take care of yourself and have fun. I love you and I'll sea you someday again. Gordon After two years it seems Gordon has the Sea Castle ready. There will be a private interment in Gasparilla Pass. A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held at the Cape Haze home on September 22 at noon where Marilyn will be entrusted into God's loving presence. Left to tell good stories and give God thanks are her children; Allison Ward (Jim), Angie Hewett (Mike), Scott Reynolds, Tracy Reynolds, Jon Paul Reynolds (Teri Saunders), eleven grandchildren and nine spouses, and seventeen great grandchildren, and sister in law Carol Culver. The family expresses their appreciation for the care given by Lyn Taber, Dr. Soriano, Dr. Dratler, and the Englewood Community Hospital. A special note of deep gratitude goes to daughter Tracy who lived with and lovingly cared for her parents for the past six years. Englewood Community Funeral Home with Private Crematory has been selected to handle arrangements. You may share a memory with the family at www.englewoodfh.com