Reynolds Phillip Flynn

April 3, 1936 – November 5, 2026

Reynolds Phillip Flynn passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Edgewood, Kentucky, at the age of 90.

Born on April 3, 1936, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, to the late Clayton Burris Flynn Sr. and Ruby (Wagoner) Flynn, “Buddy,” as he was known to his family, grew up with strong Kentucky roots, family values and a love of sports that would become defining parts of his life.

Education and the Beginning of a Basketball Legacy

Reynolds graduated from Bourbon County Vocational High School in 1955, where he lettered in basketball, baseball and track. His love of basketball began during those high school years, when he was a member of the 1954 Bourbon County team that advanced to the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen state tournament. That early experience established a lifelong passion for the game.

He continued his education at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1959. His time at UK was a source of pride throughout his life. After graduation from the University of Kentucky, he proudly served in the United States Army in both active duty and the Army reserves.

In 1960, Reynolds began his teaching career at John G. Carlisle Junior High School in Covington, Kentucky, later moving to Holmes High School.

A Legendary Coaching Career at Covington Holmes

Affectionately known as "Coach Flynn" to generations of students, players and fans, Reynolds became one of the most respected basketball coaches in Northern Kentucky.

His professional career included 28 years of coaching, with an overall career record of 569 victories and 247 losses, a winning percentage of 69.7%. During his 18 years as head basketball coach at Holmes, his teams won 12 district championships, five regional championships and 14 Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference (NKAC) championships. His overall high school coaching record was an impressive 344 victories against 198 losses.

The Holmes Bulldogs became known for their intense defensive pressure, strong running offense and disciplined approach to the game. Coach Flynn believed in helping his players reach their potential and demanded 100 percent effort at all times. His teams played with tremendous energy and a commitment to teamwork.

Among the proudest chapters of his career were the Holmes Bulldogs teams of 1976, 1977 and 1978. Under his leadership, Holmes captured three consecutive Ninth Region championships, establishing itself as one of the premier basketball programs in Kentucky.

The 1977–78 Bulldogs team was particularly memorable, advancing to the state finals tournament. In a dramatic overtime contest, Holmes narrowly lost to Shelby County, 68–66, following a controversial ruling. In recognition of his accomplishments, Reynolds was also selected to coach in the 1978 East-West All-Star Game.

His success was recognized throughout the region and state. He was named Kentucky Enquirer Coach of the Year once, Kentucky Post Coach of the Year twice, and Ninth Region Coach of the Year three times.

For Reynolds, coaching was about much more than winning games. He believed in discipline, hard work, preparation and helping young men become successful both on and off the basketball court. For many of his former players, he was a mentor, teacher, role model and lifelong friend.

The friendships he established with former players endured for decades. In February 2026, members of the celebrated Holmes teams of 1976 through 1978 reunited, demonstrating the lasting bonds and mutual respect that had developed during those memorable basketball seasons.

His basketball journey came full circle: first experiencing the excitement of the Kentucky Sweet Sixteen as a high school player at Bourbon County, and later leading Holmes teams to five regional championships and the state tournament.

Hall of Fame Honors and Recognition

Reynolds's contributions to basketball and education earned him recognition in several prestigious halls of fame and athletic organizations.

His honors included:

1988 – NKAD Basketball Hall of Fame

1999 – KHSAA Dawahares Hall of Fame

2002 – Kentucky High School Court of Honor

2006 – Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame

2013 – Covington Public Schools Hall of Fame

These honors reflected not only his outstanding coaching record and championship accomplishments but also his lasting influence on student-athletes and the Northern Kentucky community.

His name will forever be associated with the proud tradition of Holmes basketball and the history of Kentucky high school athletics.

Family and Personal Life

Reynolds shared many wonderful years with his beloved wife, Betty Pauline "Polly" Flynn, née Redwine, who preceded him in death on September 23, 2013.

He was also a longtime member of Latonia Baptist Church, where his faith and church community remained important parts of his life.

Reynolds and Polly shared a family through Polly's three children from her previous marriage. Although Reynolds had no biological children of his own, he was their stepfather and an important part of their extended family. He cherished the relationships they shared and the family they built together.

Reynolds was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Burris Flynn Sr. and Ruby (Wagoner) Flynn; his beloved wife, Polly; his brother, Clayton Burris Flynn Jr.; and his stepsons, Robert Joseph "Joey" French and Phillip “Phil” J. French.

He is survived by his brother, Bobby Allen Flynn; his stepdaughter, Kimberly Michelle Reif; his stepdaughter-in-law, Sharon French; his companion, Beverly Richardson; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; extended family; and the many friends, former students, former players and fellow coaches whose lives he touched.

Friendships, Golf and the Weekly Lunch Crew

Although basketball was one of Reynolds's greatest passions, there was much more to his life than coaching.

He enjoyed golf, sports, good conversation and spending time with friends. His competitive spirit extended naturally from the basketball court to the golf course, where he appreciated both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie of fellow golfers.

One of the traditions he especially enjoyed was his weekly lunch gathering with his longtime lunch crew. These regular get-togethers provided an opportunity to share stories, enjoy good food, exchange laughs and keep friendships strong.

The weekly lunches became more than just a meal; they were a valued part of his routine and a reflection of the lifelong friendships he cherished. Whether reminiscing about the old days, discussing sports or simply enjoying one another's company, these gatherings brought him happiness and camaraderie.

His lunch companions will fondly remember Reyn for the conversations, laughter and friendship they shared around the table.

Reynolds maintained lifelong friendships with former players, fellow coaches and members of the Northern Kentucky community. His love of sports, his competitive nature and his enjoyment of good company were qualities that made him memorable to those fortunate enough to know him.

A Lasting Legacy

Reynolds Flynn leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, dedication, leadership and friendship.

Yet his greatest accomplishments cannot be measured solely by victories, championships or awards. They are found in the lives he influenced, the friendships he maintained, the family relationships he cherished and the memories he created.

Reynolds will be deeply missed by his family, Beverly, former students, former players, fellow coaches, his weekly lunch crew, friends and the countless members of the Northern Kentucky community whose lives he touched.

To his family, he will always be Buddy. To his friends, he will always be Reyn. To the generations of students and players he taught and coached, he will always be Coach Flynn.

The final score of a basketball game may eventually fade from memory, but the lessons learned, friendships formed and lives influenced endure for generations.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral services honoring the life of Reynolds Flynn will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Event Center, which is located at 5336 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill, Kentucky 41015. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and the service will be at 2:00 p.m. with burial following with military graveside rites. Dan Francis will be officiating the service.

Family, friends, former students, former players, fellow coaches, members of his weekly lunch crew and the Northern Kentucky community are invited to gather to remember and celebrate the life of a man whose influence extended far beyond the classroom and basketball court.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Coach Reynolds Flynn can be sent to the TEAM Foundation, P.O. Box 12132, Covington, KY 41011.