John Thomas McReynolds, Sr. of Starkville passed away on January 10, 2023 at his home. Born June 5, 1936 to James Marion McReynolds, Sr. and Mary Pauline Swan McReynolds he was a lifelong resident of Oktibbeha County where he was the last independent dairy farmer to exist when he retired in 2016. Over his life he was known as Johnny Mc, John Thomas and Papa Johnny.
Upon graduation from Starkville High School in 1954 he attended Mississippi State University, receiving a BS degree in General Agriculture in 1958 and a MS degree in Ag Economics in 1965. While at MSU he was on the ROTC Air Force Drill Team, member of Block and Bridle Club, Freshman basketball team and Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After working several years with Farmers Home Administration, Federal Land Bank and Farm Bureau he worked full-time at his dairy in the Sessums Community until 2016. Memberships include Mississippi Army National Guard, MS Farm Bureau, Oktibbeha County Ag Club, MS Cattleman’s Association, Overall Extension Advisory Council, MS State Dairy Advisory Council, Oktibbeha County 4-H Club Advisory Council. He also served as president of Mississippi Holstein Association and the Mississippi Jersey Cattle Association. He enjoyed showing Holstein and Jersey cattle.
After a short courtship Johnny married Kay Montgomery on July 2, 1966. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Starkville and served several terms as both deacon and elder, church treasurer and chairman of the board of deacons.
Mr. McReynolds is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay Montgomery McReynolds; sons, Dr. Tom McReynolds (Lynda), and Dr. Russ McReynolds (Sonjia) of Starkville. He is also survived by grandchildren, John Thomas McReynolds III, Mary Margaret McReynolds, Harris McReynolds, Will McReynolds, Mac McReynolds and Sara Stokes McReynolds. He is survived by his brother, Charles McReynolds (Betty) of Franklin, TN; sister-in-law, Gwen McReynolds; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James M. McReynolds, Sr. and Pauline Swan McReynolds; his sister, Sara Felicia McReynolds; his brother, James Marion McReynolds Jr., his brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Frances McReynolds; and niece, Polly McReynolds Stone.
Visitation will be from 10 until 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, Starkville, with services at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Oddfellows Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial gifts to the Starkville Academy All-In Campaign, Starkville Academy, 505 Academy Road, Starkville, MS 39759 or to First Presbyterian Church, 307 University Drive, Starkville, MS 39759
