Joseph Craig Reynolds

Joseph Craig Reynolds, 80, of Columbia, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Born on July 21, 1945, in Columbia, he was the son of T.O. Reynolds, Jr. and Catherine Yates Reynolds.

Mr. Reynolds was a proud son of Columbia, embodying the spirit of his hometown in every aspect of his life. He received his early education at Rosewood Elementary, Hand Middle School, and graduated with the Class of 1963 from Dreher High School. His academic journey continued at The University of South Carolina where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1967. Joe was a member and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He forged many friendships as well as the foundation for a career in banking that would span five decades.

Joe settled quickly into the mortgage banking world and held various leadership positions throughout the years. He began with August Kohn & Company, and spent subsequent years with South Carolina Federal Savings Bank, Carolina First Corporation, and AL Saad & Co. He was most recently Senior Vice President with Ameris Bank until 2023, and was known as not only a leader, but a true mentor to young people starting their careers. Joe also served as a Chairman and Director on the University of South Carolina Development Foundation Board, a board member of the Palmetto State Growth Fund, and member of the South Carolina Bankers Association. He was a member of The Sertoma Club, a member of The Camellia Ball, Forest Lake Club, and numerous other social organizations.

Joe was a lifelong member of Shandon United Methodist Church, known to have gone many years never missing a Sunday. He enjoyed his time and friendships with the Joy Sunday School Class. His faith was his guiding light and his steadfast love of family and friends, as well as for those in need, was an example and blessing to many who will miss him dearly.

Joe enjoyed attending and watching University of South Carolina athletic events, as well as those of his children and grandchildren. Known as “Big Joe” (to young and old alike), he was a very proud, patient, and loving grandfather, and was always happy to share “Bear Tracks Cabin” in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Franklin Reynolds, as well as his sons, Joe Reynolds, Jr. (Julianne) and Yates Reynolds (Jenny) of Columbia, SC; two stepdaughters, Liz Hughey (Nathan) and Caroline Kelm (Dax), of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his grandchildren Frazier, Copeland, and Julia Blair Reynolds, Ford and Anne Reynolds, Price Lyday, and Tag and Rivers Kelm. He is also survived by Mimi Brailsford Miles, mother of his two sons, and his brother, David Reynolds (Christie) of Benton, KS.

Additionally, he is survived by five of the original eight “Groupers”, a friend group that has been gathering for 50 years of annual trips for camaraderie and good times.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Susie Solomon and the entire staff at Wildewood Downs for their compassionate care.

The service to celebrate Mr. Reynolds' life will be held at 2 o’clock, Friday, June 12th, at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St, Columbia, with Rev. C.E. “Smoke” Kanipe officiating. A reception will follow the service at 3:30 o’clock in the Lake View Room at the Forest Lake Club, 340 Country Club Dr, Columbia. 

Memorials may be made to the Joe Reynolds Endowed Scholarship at the Darla Moore School of Business, online (Joe Reynolds Endowed Scholarship (https://connect.sc.edu/direct-your-gift?cat=Colleges%20%26%20Schools&subcat=Business&fund=8f27d9ee-f360-4d00-ba8f-d33601126006))or by check. Please make checks payable to the USC – Business Partnership Foundation, write “Joe Reynolds” in the memo section, and mail to: Development Office, Darla Moore School of Business, 1014 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208 or to Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.