Providence Journal announces passing of retired columnist Bill Reynolds

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Journal announced the passing of one of their former sports columnist on Thursday.

The Journal said Bill Reynolds died Thursday at the age of 78.Reynolds started with the Journal in 1981 before retiring in 2021.

He was a graduate of Barrington High School and Brown University and known for his time playing basketball at both schools.

Brown highlighted his time at the university, where he captained captained the men’s basketball team his senior season and was named to the all-decade team.

He was absolutely brilliant and found his true calling in life doing something about which he was so passionate and doing it so very well,” Brown’s head men’s basketball coach Mike Martin said. “I feel very fortunate for all of the years I knew him and the friendship we had.”

Rep. Seth Magaziner also released a statement remembering the writer.

“Ask any Rhode Islander and they’ll tell you — Bill Reynolds was an institution of [Rhode Island] sports and journalism whose column was read by thousands across our state,” he said. “There will never be another like him.”

The Providence College Friars released their condolences to Reynolds’ family.

“Bill was one of the all-time great Rhode Island sports writers and an even better person. He was a great friend to so many in our community and will be missed,” its statement read.

Reynold’s weekly Saturday piece titled “For What Its Worth” was his place to share opinions on local sports stories, his favorite books and movies, the Journal wrote.

Reynolds was also known for writing multiple books including “Fall River Dreams,” “Basketball Junkie” and “Born to Coach.”