GILBERTSVILLE — Sonny Reynolds, 69, of Gilbertsville, Ky., passed away Tuesday evening, March 13, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family.

Sonny formerly owned Citgo service stations in Ohio and a Ranger boat dealership in Indiana. He was a professional home builder and member of the Marshall County Elks Lodge No. 2707. Sonny was a pioneer. He joined FLW in 1986 and helped launch weekend bass tournaments during the company’s formative years. He even taught bass fishing to students at Indiana University long before FLW College Fishing was a mainstay on college campuses. His pioneering spirit made him a natural choice to lead the introduction of walleye tournaments to the FLW portfolio in 2000. He embraced walleye fishing and fishermen with the same passion he held for bass fishing. His love of fishing and eternal optimism elevated the sport and those around him. He worked tirelessly in service to his walleye-fishing family until his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sharon K. Groves Reynolds of Gilbertsville, Ky.; one daughter, Jessica Moss and her husband Blake of Calvert City, Ky.; three sons, Tyler Reynolds and his wife Tara of Jacksonville, N.C., Terry Reynolds and Tracy Reynolds, both of DeMotte, Ind.; one grandson, Hunter Chase Reynolds; his stepmother, Kathryn Reynolds of Xenia, Ohio; and two brothers, Doug Reynolds of Monroe City, Ind., and Don Reynolds of Wickliffe, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Sherry Reynolds; his father, Carson Reynolds Sr.; and his grandparents, Aytchie and Mattie Reynolds.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home & Crematory. Private inurnment will take place at a later date in the Moreland Cemetery.

Friends may call after 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Filbeck–Cann & King Funeral Home.

In honor of Sonny’s countless contributions to the sport during his 26 years of service, the Reynolds family has established the Sonny Reynolds Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a college freshman who is an active member of an FLW College Fishing team.

Contributions may be sent to the Sonny Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o FLW Foundation, 30 Gamble Lane, Benton, KY 42025.

Condolences may be sent on-line at www.filbeckcannking.com.