Sammy Joe Reynolds, 86 of Springfield Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2016 in his home after a short illness. Sam was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on August 22, 1930 to Richard and Louise Reynolds. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife Delores on December 23, 1950, where they were blessed with 60 years of marriage. Sam was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife and a son-in law, Roy Martin. He leaves behind his daughters, Catherine Reynolds and Vickie Martin, both of Springfield Missouri, his grandchildren Derek Reynolds, Keegan Martin and Kyndall Martin and a great grandchild Kayelyn.

Golf was Sam's passion, from an early age as a caddy in Wichita Falls; he always knew he wanted to be a golf professional, teaching the game he loved so that others could experience the same passion. Even when Sam was called to serve in the Army during the Korean War, he knew he would return one day to the game of golf.

Sam started his career as an assistant golf professional at Mission Hills Country Club and Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City, MO. In September of 1957 Sam became the head golf professional at Hickory Hills Country Club where he remained for 37 years until his retirement in 1994. He obtained his PGA card in 1960, playing on the PGA tour in tournaments such as the Texas Open, Bing Crosby and U.S. Open. He was elected to serve as the National Vice President of the Professional Golfers Association from 1980-1982, and was later given a lifetime PGA membership. After retirement he continued to teach the game he loved for another 22 years.

Sam's true dedication was to Hickory Hills Country Club and to its membership. He developed an outstanding Junior Golf program at Hickory Hills where many of his pupils went on to win the State Amateur championship and even continued on to the PGA and LPGA tour. Sam's passion was teaching the game of golf. He lead nearly 20 of his apprentice students to continue on as club professionals across the country.

The family would like to thank Heather and the staff of Phoenix Hospice Care and Melissa for their compassion and assistance.

Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield MO, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. A second visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday in the funeral home. A celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2016 in the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Springfield Humane Society.