.For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. II Corinthians 5:8

Max Wayne Reynolds Jr., affectionately known as "Shankie", was the beloved son of the late Max Wayne Reynolds Sr. and Virginia Knowlin. He was born February 8, 1962 in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. On December 26, 2023, Max received the call and exchanged his earthly form for life everlasting.

Max was educated in Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools and graduated from West Forsyth High School in Winston Salem, NC. There he excelled in the sport of wrestling, earning many awards. As a teenager, he stepped in the kitchen and discovered his passion for cooking and would later pursue a career as a culinary chef. Max enjoyed many roles, however, being a father was the one that brought him his greatest joy. He was the father of four beautiful children; one son, the late Lonzelle Lewis who preceded him in death, and three daughters, DraShonta Shaneka, and Keyona.

Over the years, Max held several positions within the food and catering industry. Most recently, he served as the Head Kitchen Manager at District 924 in Winston Salem. Max loved to cook, especially for his family and friends. He believed in family and community and was very supportive of those often overlooked by the larger society. He wore his chef's apron with pride and was regularly found serving his family and friends by commandeering cookouts, family dinners, birthday parties, and weddings. He was the consummate host. Max also enjoyed another passion and that was his love for music. He played bongos for his church and in various musical groups. He was known to be the life of the party and loved to have a good time and to keep everyone laughing. When Max was in a room, you knew he was there. He was a man of principle, standing out in the crowd, never afraid to voice his opinion. He was unapologetically outspoken. On the other hand, he carried his emotions openly and deeply and was also not afraid to shed tears over the things that mattered most to him.

One of the issues of the highest order for Max was his love for Jesus and working out his soul salvation. Max was raised in church and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. In recent years, he joined and served as a faithful deacon at Grace Outreach Ministries in Winston Salem, NC. He had a fire that only Jesus could put out. He lived a life that exemplified restoration and redemption and attributed all of his success to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was devoted in his commitment to his church. It did not matter where he was on Saturday night…on Sunday morning he was going to show up in church in a three-piece suit and his signature hat, making a joyful noise (bongos) and giving praise and thanks to the Most High. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Max Wayne Reynolds Jr. leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters; DraShonta (CJ) Brinson, Shaneka and Keyona Reynolds; seven grandchildren, Zamari Stewart, Jaelle Garvin, Neema and Kanu Brinson, and Alani, Korbin and Kennedy Barrett; siblings, Teresa Reynolds, Deborah Beazer (Carl), Kim Reynolds-Allen, Daphne Reynolds-Amos, Darryl Reynolds, and Rosalind Reynolds; and a host of nephews, nieces, and special friends. A public viewing will be held Friday December 29, 2023, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday December 30, 2023, at 12:30 pm from Calvery Hill Greater Church of Deliverance. The family will receive friends at 12:00pm at the Church.

. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.