Known as "Mr. Bible," industry veteran William "Bill" Reynolds died May 18 at his home in Northridge, Calif. He was 87.

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Reynolds began his career selling books in 1951 at Whittemore's in Boston. During the ensuing decades, Reynolds sold Bibles for J.B. Lippincott, Holman Bible Publishers and Broadman-Holman.

On retiring from Broadman-Holman, Reynolds worked part-time as a volunteer in the Bible department of Valley Book and Bible Stores in Van Nuys, Calif., according to Gospel Light Marketing Manager David Wilke, whose family owned the stores from 1952-2009.

After some health issues, Reynolds left the store, but worked as a chaplain at his church visiting shut-ins, led Bible studies in Los Angeles County jails and distributed Gideon Bibles. Reynolds "never said no to any request to serve the Lord," Wilke told Christian Retailing. "He was the most positive person I have ever met. He prayed with everyone he sold a Bible to."

CBA Executive Director Curtis Riskey added: "He took his work as a Christian retailer as a holy calling, and he found great joy in connecting people to God's Word. His ministry work outside of the store transformed many lives, and his personal concern and prayers for CBA and people serving in the industry were always insightful, encouraging and much welcomed."

Reynolds is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and a brother.

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