On the morning of Sunday, September 5, 2021, the world tragically lost a truly radiant light. Rickie Lee Reynolds regrettably passed onward to walk through those halls of karma. He was in Memphis, Tennessee when he had to leave this world due to ongoing health concerns. At the time he was 72 years young, (youthful in Wizard of Oak years).

It was a magnificent day in Manila, Arkansas on October 28,1948 that brought this magical man into our lives. Born to his parents Vernon and Lois ("Honey") Reynolds, Rickie was raised in Manila until he moved to California around age five.

Eventually he returned to Arkansas in his teenage youth, near a small town called Black Oak. Changed from his experience in California, he found himself a bit of a black sheep in the tight knit town. Through this sense of embracing who he was, he connected with a true brother in soul, Jim Dandy Mangrum. They then met with other like minded brilliance, to create the beginnings of what would eventually become Knowbody Else, then furthermore the great Black Oak Arkansas.

Being a part of that musical band of brotherhood was an extraordinary passion in his life. Rickie devoted his heart and soul to his band brothers, sisters, and the amazing friends and fans that he connected with. However, music alone could not withhold this remarkable man's creativity. His love for artistic capacity extended into his unforgettable writings, drawings, his joy of cooking, and his compassion for gardening. There was little that he could not do, or that he did not strive to achieve.

Another major string in Rickie's heart was his family. He loved them all so deep and true, and he had a major influence upon every life that he had touched. Rickie was married twice, first to Anne Brannan and then to Dianne Lee. Anne had two sons with Rickie, Christopher Reynolds and Nicholas Reynolds. Dianne had three children, Christopher Lee Crowther, Amber Lee, and Olivia Lee (affectionately known to Rickie as "Peanut").

His love for each and every one of his children shines luminously within us, bringing little pieces of his great soul to the surrounding world. The love and care he had for Dianne and Anne never faded, with the continued friendship and contact remaining between them throughout his life.

Rickie grew up with two brothers, Robin Lancaster and Danny Reynolds. Danny preceded him into heaven and undoubtedly was waiting at the gates for him. Danny had four sons, Rickie's nephews Ashley Reynolds, Ian Reynolds, Trey Smith, and Jeremy Smith. Robin Lancaster married the lovely Loretta Lancaster and has two daughters, Rickie's nieces Michelle Lancaster and Lorrie Byars. His dear brother from another mother, Jim Dandy, had five children, Piper Mangrum, Jim Mangrum Jr., Cole Ashley, Danny Haley, and Jessie Mangrum, who are also his beloved nephews and niece. He loved all equally unbounded in that warm heart of his.

Beyond that his family extended into three lively grandchildren, Ricochet Crowther, Vincent Lodermeier, and Valex Lodermeier. Rickie also had a plethora of grand nieces and grand nephews of whom he adored with all his soul, as he was truly a child at heart as well.

Though he has left this earthly body, we can all rest assured that the ethereal soul of Rickie will find the peace that he so deserves. There, he will meet all of his friends and family that have waited patiently for him, and he most certainly will give his loveable dog Dollie a big ole bone.

Everyone in life that he met was touched by the genuine soul that was his. Rickie was unique in every grand sense of the word, and he brought out something in us all that was undoubtedly magical. All of our hearts might ache for his presence once more, but we should know that he is smiling upon us all in waiting. One day we will meet him again, and have a drink while listening to some good tunes, watch our favorite movies, or maybe just have those conversations that we crave to have with Rickie once more. He is never truly gone, as Rickie lives on in the memories, stories, and influence that he has given to us all.

Future arrangements for a celebration of the life of Rickie Lee Reynolds are still in the process of being organized.