CJR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In the days immediately following Cord’s accident, a family friend was at the Reynolds’ house and wanted to help with whatever needs might arise.  Prior to leaving, he handed $500 to another friend with the instructions, “Give this to the Reynolds.”  His generosity started the Cordell Jackson Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund.  That week an account was established at the American National Bank in Kaufman with the original donation.  Since then, the fund has grown exponentially thanks to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues of Cord, Dylan, Blake, Melanie, and Eric as well as strangers.  The response has been overwhelming.

Beginning with the class of 2022 a Kaufman High School graduate who is either enrolling at UT Austin or entering a 4-year university with the plan to major in Social Work will be awarded a scholarship from the fund.

This page is intended to introduce the individuals who will choose the scholarship recipients and eventually recognize the recipients.

Scholarship Committee Members

Britt Murrey

Britt was born and raised in Kaufman and served for sixteen (16) years on the Kaufman Independent School District Board of Directors.  Britt’s daughter Ashley is the same age as Cord and Blake which afforded Britt to be involved with Cord for most of his formative years.  He was one of the people Cord made certain to visit whenever he was home from college.  Britt is the General Manager of Paul Murrey Ford.

Landy and Cord at the Top 10% Luncheon, Spring 2016

Landy Hetmer 

Mrs. Hetmer is also a Kaufman native and has taught for 16 years, including 15 at Kaufman High School.  Landy was Cord’s choice to honor as his most influential teacher at the Top 10% banquet as a high school senior.  Quite frankly, there were not many people in town for whom Cord had a greater fondness.  Cord was an unabashed fan of Landy.

Colby and Cord, circa 2006

Colby Jones

One of Cord’s oldest friends.  Colby and Cord grew up together, remained lifelong friends and we have no doubt the friendship would have remained intact as they aged.  Colby is an extended member of the Reynolds’ family.  He enriched Cord’s life.