Legacy Lives: Dr. Reynolds
Dr. Thomas (Tom) Reynolds was born in 1933 in Indiana, but he moved to Thomasville, GA after attending the University of Kentucky, receiving his medical degree to become an OBGYN. When deciding where he wanted to practice, Dr. Reynolds wanted to be in a city large enough to support his practice but small enough to feel like a country town. He started his practice in Thomasville in 1970 and served the community until he retired in 2004.
Dr. Reynolds figures he has delivered over 3000 babies throughout his career and many of the residents and team members at Legacy Village at Plantation Manor recognize him as the doctor who delivered their children or grandchildren. Legacy Village’s Dining Services Director, Kathy Dailey, reflects on how influential Dr. Reynolds was during childbirth with her son. He was Kathy’s physician during one of the happiest times of her life as she was nearing the delivery date of her precious baby boy. When the time arrived and the baby was coming, Kathy describes a sudden numb feeling in her feet. She knew something was wrong. The numbness began traveling up her body, and the moment it reached her upper body, Kathy coded on the delivery table. Despite being a rare situation, Dr. Reynolds and his nurses rushed into action, knowing exactly what was happening. While attempting to sustain Kathy’s life, Dr. Reynolds performed an emergency C-section. Kathy suffered from an amniotic fluid embolism, and despite being in an extremely difficult and risky situation, Dr. Reynolds was able to save both Kathy and her baby boy’s life, thanks to his quick and knowledgeable care. Throughout the years, Kathy and Dr. Reynolds have remained in touch, calling him her “Hero” and him calling her his “Angel,” and baby Joseph, who is now 34 years old, has a family of his own.
Dr. Reynolds was married to his wife, Patsy, for 35 years before she passed in 1999. Together they have two children and two grandchildren. He has been a resident through the day stay program at Legacy Village at Plantation Manor for two and a half years. Kathy, as well as many others at Plantation Manor, are deeply honored to now be able to help care for him in return.
