1SG Reynaldo Resendez, US Army (Ret.), 78, of Columbia, died Monday, September 19, 2016. Born in Orange Grove, TX on October 18, 1937, he was a son of the late Rosendo Jaime Resendez and Maria Rios Resendez. Following graduation from Orange Grove High School 1SG Resendez joined the US Army. He served two tours in Korea and later in MEDDAC at Fort Jackson, as well as a social worker and budget analyst. During his tenure in the military he was awarded numerous medals and certificates for Superior Meritorious Service including the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Commanders Award for Civilian Service. He was also recognized by President Richard Nixon for having the highest score in the US Army on the Social Worker/Psychologist Examination. In the 1990's 1SG Resendez was recognized for his service as Directorate of Plans Training and Mobilization for Operation Desert Storm. Following his retirement, he worked in Civil Service at WJB Dorn VA Medical Center.

1SG Resendez earned his Associates Degree from Columbia Commercial College. He was a Roman Catholic who greatly loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed all sports including watching the Gamecocks. His days as a pitcher and bowler on military teams, during his service in the Army, inspired him to coach his children's little league baseball teams. He always took pride in completing a home project, was an avid pinochle player, and enjoyed fishing, camping, grilling out, and a perfectly cooked steak. He treasured spending holidays with family, especially his favorite, Christmas.

1SG Resendez loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas and Cherokee. A supporter of various military service organizations, he was very patriotic and proud to have served and defended his country and to have retired as a US Army Soldier.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Ina D. Long Resendez; daughter, Agnes M. Slayman (Rob) of Camden; sons, Michael R Resendez (Kay), Dennis R. Resendez (Pam); grandchildren, Ryan Resendez (Haley) of Concord, NC, Travis Resendez of Elgin, Tyler Resendez of Gastonia, NC; great-grandson, Austin R. Resendez of Concord, NC; sisters, Hila Parma (Leon) of Tynan, TX; brother, Raul Resendez of Alice, TX, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Ester Deffner, Dora Padron, and Beatrice Hurd; and brother, Samuel Resendez. He was a devoted, kind, caring and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend, and most of all, a family man who will be greatly missed by all.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held 11 o'clock, Friday, September 23rd at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia. A vigil will be held 5 o'clock, Thursday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with visitation to follow until 7 o'clock.