Mr. Luis “Louie the Tiger” Reyes, 87, formerly of Chicago, passed away on Wednesday evening, Jan. 11, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center Nassau in Fernandina Beach.
Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, he was one of five children born to the late Cristobal Reyes and Carlota Martinez Reyes. He grew up in Central America and, at the age of 16, came to the United States. His family settled in Chicago, where Mr. Reyes later worked in the automotive industry. He worked for many years not only in Chicago, but also Florence, S.C., and Raleigh, N.C., for independent companies. He retired in 2000 as a sales and distribution manager after working for more than 50 years in the automotive industry. In 2003, he and his wife moved to Fernandina Beach, and in 2014 moved to Yulee to property that adjoined their daughter.
Mr. Reyes and his wife were active members at St. Michael Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Men’s Club. Mr. Reyes was a volunteer with St. Michael Men’s Club and its fundraising booth at the annual Shrimp Festival.
He leaves behind his wife, Maria Reyes; their daughter, Elizabeth Coyle and her husband, Brian; and a grandson, Joshua Coyle, all of Yulee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, Jan. 20, at St. Michael Catholic Church with Monsignor Vincent Haut, celebrant.
His family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Oxley-Heard, where the Vigil Prayer Service will be conducted at 6 p.m. with Deacon Art Treadwell.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors