Alton A. Reynolds, of Lutz, Florida born in Pedro Plain (Treasure Beach), Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, West Indies, born April 8, 1926 deceased August13, 2011.
Al or Rennie, as he was fondly known by family, friends and co-workers alike, received his early education in his home town attending school from grades 1-6 in Book and then grades 1-3 in Farming Industry. Rennie spent a lot of time with his family in such areas as Quick Step, Treasure Beach, Black River, and Elderslie. He first came to America as a young man landing in Madison, Wisconsin where he was able to use his farming education.Although he returned to his homeland of Jamaica he came back to America, where he finally settled down in Newark, New Jersey. There he met and married his beloved wife of fifty years Lenore Crooks Peniston.
While in Newark he worked in such jobs as Industrial Waste Disposal, smelting, and construction, and became a member of New Jersey Builders and Laborers Union Local 1153. As a member he was able to perfect the art of brick laying and painting which resulted in his working on such buildings as those in the Newark Airport, the Gateway Buildings of Newark, New Jersey, and the World Trade Center Towers.
In 1965 he became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, yet he never lost his love for his homeland. Over the years he maintained his connection with family and friends through phone calls and visits. Rennie always welcomed anyone into his home with a cordial smile and an offer of a cool drink.
Even as a young man Rennie expressed faith in God, and though he never formerly joined a church, he did choose to be baptized, having expressed faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
He leaves to fondly cherish his memory: his wife Lenore; one sister Sylvia Daniels, one son Victor; four daughters Miriam, Sharon, Lydia, June; eight grandchildrenCarrington, Theodore, Justin, Tracee, Rachel, Ashley, Terrance, Alexander; fourgreat grandchildren Leah, Cameron, Gabrielle, Jaden; one daughter-in-law Crystal; two son-in-laws Keith, Kevin; and a host of family and friends.
The family will receive friends at MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida on Saturday,August 27, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Service beginnning at 12:30 p.m., immediately followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery. 4406 East Chelsea Avenue, Tampa, Florida
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations are to be made to the United Negro College Fund in the name of his son, Dr. Reginald Peniston who died on February 8, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida.Donation can bein the form of a check or money order payable to UNCF. Please mail all donations to:UNCF Direct Response Programs, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. Donations can be made on line at http://www.uncf.org