Donald Dee Reins
June 30, 1922 — December 27, 2018
Dr. Donald D. Reins, 96, passed away after a brief illness on December 27th, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Born June 30th, 1922 in Ames, Iowa, the son of Albert and Jennie Reins. Don was a lifelong Seventh Day Adventist and graduated from Oak Park Academy in 1939. During World War II Don enlisted in the Navy and felt that was one of his greatest honors.
After leaving the Navy, he settled in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Jacksonville University. He worked laying bricks for a local brick company, until he resigned due to holiday layoffs.
A good friend, Dr. Glenn Linebarger urged him to go to dental school, however Don didn't have the finances. Dr. Glenn offered to pay for his education and Don made sure Mrs. Linebarger was agreeable to this wonderful offer.
Don applied to Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia and was originally denied acceptance because Jacksonville University was not accredited at that time. Don promptly drove to Atlanta and waited several hours to discuss the denial with the Dean of Admissions. Don was very convincing and the Dean agreed to enroll him with the stipulation that he maintained a B average. Of course the rest is history. After getting his DDS Degree from Emory, he opened his dental practice in the Beaches area and had a successful practice for over 40 years. Don was well known and loved by his patients and all who knew him.
True to his word, Don repaid Dr. Glenn for loaning him the money for dental school. He never liked to owe money, so for many years he assisted children by paying tuition to our Seventh Day Adventist Schools, therefore succeeding in "paying forward" the kindness that he received. Anyone who knew him knew he never ceased to help others in love and kindness.
In addition to his parents, Don is predeceased by his daughter, Doreen, his brother, Dale, and former wife, Thyra Ellis. He is survived by his loving wife Susanne, son Donnie Jr. (Gale), step-children, Sheldon (Diane), Sean (Virginia), Simon (Jane), and Donna all of whom he treated as his own. He also has several grandchildren, Mathieu, Danielle, Katie, Amanda, Sasha, Simon, Kenneth, Jackie, Khalib, and several great grandchildren. Dr. Reins had a special relationship with his long term dental staff, Sally, Pat, Cookie, and Nancy, whom he treated as daughters. Prior to his passing, they continued to meet together with him quarterly to share memories of the years they worked together.
His greatest loves were his plants and flowers, woodworking, reading his Bible, sharing Jesus, his "clock shop buddies", his children, grandchildren, church and mostly his love for GOD. He was a great example of a loving, caring, selfless, peaceful, giving man.
Those who wish to remember Don in a special way may make a gift in his memory in lieu of flowers to:
Jacksonville Adventist Academy
4298 Livingston Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32257
Born June 30th, 1922 in Ames, Iowa, the son of Albert and Jennie Reins. Don was a lifelong Seventh Day Adventist and graduated from Oak Park Academy in 1939. During World War II Don enlisted in the Navy and felt that was one of his greatest honors.
After leaving the Navy, he settled in Jacksonville, Florida and attended Jacksonville University. He worked laying bricks for a local brick company, until he resigned due to holiday layoffs.
A good friend, Dr. Glenn Linebarger urged him to go to dental school, however Don didn't have the finances. Dr. Glenn offered to pay for his education and Don made sure Mrs. Linebarger was agreeable to this wonderful offer.
Don applied to Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia and was originally denied acceptance because Jacksonville University was not accredited at that time. Don promptly drove to Atlanta and waited several hours to discuss the denial with the Dean of Admissions. Don was very convincing and the Dean agreed to enroll him with the stipulation that he maintained a B average. Of course the rest is history. After getting his DDS Degree from Emory, he opened his dental practice in the Beaches area and had a successful practice for over 40 years. Don was well known and loved by his patients and all who knew him.
True to his word, Don repaid Dr. Glenn for loaning him the money for dental school. He never liked to owe money, so for many years he assisted children by paying tuition to our Seventh Day Adventist Schools, therefore succeeding in "paying forward" the kindness that he received. Anyone who knew him knew he never ceased to help others in love and kindness.
In addition to his parents, Don is predeceased by his daughter, Doreen, his brother, Dale, and former wife, Thyra Ellis. He is survived by his loving wife Susanne, son Donnie Jr. (Gale), step-children, Sheldon (Diane), Sean (Virginia), Simon (Jane), and Donna all of whom he treated as his own. He also has several grandchildren, Mathieu, Danielle, Katie, Amanda, Sasha, Simon, Kenneth, Jackie, Khalib, and several great grandchildren. Dr. Reins had a special relationship with his long term dental staff, Sally, Pat, Cookie, and Nancy, whom he treated as daughters. Prior to his passing, they continued to meet together with him quarterly to share memories of the years they worked together.
His greatest loves were his plants and flowers, woodworking, reading his Bible, sharing Jesus, his "clock shop buddies", his children, grandchildren, church and mostly his love for GOD. He was a great example of a loving, caring, selfless, peaceful, giving man.
Those who wish to remember Don in a special way may make a gift in his memory in lieu of flowers to:
Jacksonville Adventist Academy
4298 Livingston Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32257
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