John Christopher (Chris) Reynolds, 66, of Tomball, Texas, passed away at his home unexpectedly on June 12, 2026.

Chris was born on July 9, 1959, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Robert and Sally Reynolds. He grew up in Calallen, Texas, surrounded by a large and loving extended family. From an early age, Chris developed a lifelong passion for hunting, and some of his most treasured memories were spent in the field with his beloved grandfather, Atlee "Gran" Magee.

Chris excelled academically, graduating from Calallen High School a year early in 1976. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980, followed by his law degree from the same institution, also with honors, in 1982.

After graduating from law school, Chris moved to Houston, Texas, where he began a long and storied career as a trial attorney. He spent over twenty-six years at Gibbs & Bruns LLP, becoming one of its most distinguished partners, before co-founding Reynolds Frizzell LLP in 2009 alongside his beloved colleague and friend Jean Frizzell. Under their leadership, the firm rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most respected corporate litigation firms in the state, garnering national recognition and accolades.

Chris focused exclusively on complex commercial and business litigation and arbitration, and his civil engineering background gave him a rare edge in representing clients in highly technical industries including oil and gas, electricity generation and trading, engineering and construction, and software technology. He was known for his painstaking preparation, his personal investment in every case, and a hands-on style that set him apart from his peers.

His excellence was widely recognized throughout the legal community. He was named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and was consistently recognized by Chambers USA as a Leading Individual in both Commercial Litigation and Energy & Natural Resources. He was named among the Best Lawyers in America in "Bet-the-Company" Litigation and Commercial Litigation, including Houston's "Bet-the-Company" Lawyer of the Year for 2022, and was a perennial Texas Super Lawyer and Top 100 Super Lawyer in the Houston region.

In 1988, Chris found himself at Shuffles dancehall in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he crossed paths with George Ann Guckian — a familiar face from his high school years, and, as it would turn out, the love of his life. What began that night was a love story for the ages. They were soon engaged and married on April Fool's Day, 1989.

Chris loved George Ann madly and devotedly. Early in their relationship, he began buying her a bouquet of flowers every Monday. While he initially said the bouquets would continue for 6 months, a bouquet has continued to arrive weekly ever since. An enduring testament to his love for George Ann, a bouquet arrived Monday, June 15- three days after his passing. Together, Chris and George Ann built a beautiful life in Tomball, Texas, on a small farm that has been home to many beloved horses, dogs, and countless other creatures big and small over the years. In short order, they welcomed two children, Hannah in 1990 and Micah in 1991. Chris worked tirelessly and joyfully to make George Ann and their children's every dream a reality. They traveled extensively, shared a deep and lifelong love of dancehalls and two-stepping, and spent countless hours hunting and fishing side by side. At the domino table, Chris was among the most spirited — and occasionally maddening — of 42 partners, with a particular fondness for shooting the moon or going nullo. When his boldness backfired and George Ann rolled her eyes, he could always be counted on to loudly declare, "But I had the perfect hand — there was only one way they could set me! What were the odds?".

In 1992, Chris and George Ann purchased a ranch in the Free State of McMullen County, Texas, which they christened Reynolds Rattlesnake Ranch. There they built a beautiful home and property that became the backdrop for decades of treasured gatherings — family reunions, hunting trips, holiday celebrations, and the kind of unhurried, joyful time with friends and loved ones that life is all about. Among his most cherished companions at the ranch was his beloved cousin Mark Gallagher, with whom he spent countless days hunting and living the good life.

George Ann sparked in Chris a love of horses and animals that only deepened with time. He became an accomplished and celebrated equestrian, serving for many years as First Field Master for Kenada Foxhounds. Beyond the saddle, Chris was an avid fisherman, a devoted golfer, and a lifelong and passionate Texas Longhorns football fan.

Chris was known throughout every community he touched for his extraordinary generosity. Immensely blessed, he shared those blessings freely and joyfully. He and George Ann hosted an annual party for the firm and their many friends, where Chris's chocolate chip cookies were the stuff of legend. He delighted in giving children hayrides on the tractor — and made sure every child who wanted a turn to drive got to take the wheel.

Chris was preceded in death by his adoring and devoted parents, Robert McBryde Reynolds and Sally Magee Reynolds; his cherished grandparents, John Atlee Magee (Gran) and Allyne Gallagher Magee (Onnie); his beloved uncle, Richard DeWitt "Dick" Magee; and his treasured father-in-law and friend, George Edward Guckian.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-seven years, George Ann Reynolds; his daughter, Hannah Reynolds, her husband Shawn Sudler, and their children Kira and Edith Sudler; his son, George Micah Reynolds; his mother-in-law, Frances Guckian; his sister-in-law, Cheryl Guckian, and her son Quintin Wilsford (wife Ashley, and daughters Sutton and Saige); his sister, Margaret Henrikson, her husband Jim Henrikson, and their children John Henrikson (wife Melanie), Elizabeth Blount (husband Joshua, and sons James and Charlie), and Emily Pruniou (husband Radu, and daughter Isabel); his sister, Janie Mason, her husband Todd Mason, and their children Richard Mason (wife Mary Ann, and children Anna and Richard), Laura Wadley (husband Harry), and Robert Mason; and his beloved cousin, Mollie Dolan Carter, her husband Andy, and their children Atlee, Caton, and Sarah.

A service celebrating the life of Chris Reynolds will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Chris Reynolds Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund established to support students of high academic achievement at the University of Texas School of Law or to Abandoned Animal Rescue where Chris acquired his beloved dog, Phil.

Chris Reynolds Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund: Online gifts may be made at utlsf.org/reynolds or by check mailed to: University of Texas Law School Foundation, c/o Chris Reynolds Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, 727 E. Dean Keeton, Austin, TX 78705.

Abandoned Animal Rescue: https://www.aartexas.org/get-involved/donate/