Dr. Richard M. (Dick) Reasoner
December 6, 1946 ~ July 27, 2018
Born in:
Des Moines, Iowa
Resided in:
Buford, Georgia
Dr. Richard Merle Reasoner, 71, of Buford, Georgia, passed away July 27, 2018, at his home. He was born December 6, 1946, to Marie Wilson and Claude Reasoner in Des Moines, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy from 1965-1969 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. He was a graduate of Baptist Bible Institute (now known as The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville); Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri; Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, earning a Masters of Divinity; The University of Missouri in Kansas City, earning a Masters of Arts in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Psychology; and he also held a Masters of Arts in Psychopharmacology.
Over his career, he served as pastor of several churches in Florida and Missouri. From 1987-1991, he worked for the Atlanta-based Southern Baptist Home Mission Board (now known as North American Mission Board) as the Director of Counseling Services. Most recently, he was the Director of Christian Counseling and Psychological Services in Suwanee, Georgia.
Dr. Reasoner was currently serving as a Board Member of Passion Play Ministries International, which is based in Aztec, New Mexico. He traveled the world in support of the organization’s ministries to spread the gospel. Thousands of people worldwide have come to know the Lord through the efforts of this ministry.
Dick loved to travel, was a voracious reader, spent lots of time on the lake, and most of all, he adored his family. His laugh was infectious. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. When he was in the hospital, he was the one ministering to the staff and nurses. His deep faith and his love for Jesus were expressed through serving and helping others every day of his life. Even though he had extensive theological training, his goal was simple. He lived for God’s smile each and every day.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Wohler Reasoner; his two sons, Rich and Rob Reasoner; grandsons, Kole and Elijah Reasoner of Sugar Hill, Georgia, and Mark, Brett, and Gantt Reasoner of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter in law, Jennifer Reasoner of Raleigh, North Carolina; brothers C. Dennis Reasoner and Robert Howell of Des Moines, Iowa; sisters Sharon McFall of Aztec, New Mexico, Debbie Davis and Donna Reasoner of Des Moines, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Diane Reasoner, who died April 1, 2007.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the Reasoner family, 5972 Island View Drive, Buford, Georgia, 30518. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Passion Play Ministries International, PO Box 1697, Aztec, New Mexico, 87410, or you may donate online at passion-play.org
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Debbie, May God give you His peace and comfort as you have lost your dear husband. We are praying for you and your family. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has planned for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
Debbie – You have 43 years of our love & support to help you in the days, weeks, decisions ahead. We have loving arms to hold, big shoulders to support you, lots of loving & laughing memories to encourage you, & know a Saviour who loves you even more than we possibly can…& One who dearly, deeply loved Dick too! Always, Philip Neal & Marcia May, Athens, “America”
My dearest friend! My heart is so broken for you! The Love you had for Dick, and he for you was so strong. And you were bound by the love of the Father and the call to ministry. Although I cannot be there for the funeral, I will be there in a couple of weeks. We both love you!
Nell and Ed
Las Vegas, NV
Debbie and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Dick. Please know my family is praying for all of you. May God surround you with his peace during this time. Love you Debbie.
I have fond memories of Dick. He has been a great mentor and friend for over 20 years. I will truly miss him. Your family is in my prayers.
Dick and his wife were faithful members of Smoke Rise Baptist church for many years and we have missed seeing the cheerful smile. God Bless.
Dick and Diane were faithful members of Smoke Rise and dear friends. Praying for all of you.
Bob and Jackie Browning
Wish I would have known you longer… I can say all your advice has helped me greatly… You are missed. RIP Doc!
Debbie, I am so very sorry about your dear husband’s premature death. May God hold you so very tightly with His love. Thanks to Pastor Scott for letting us know. I love you, my dear friend/sister.
We were heartbroken to learn of Dick’s passing. He had a huge impact on our family. A great man taken away to soon.
My family has know Dick for nearly twenty years. He meant so much to us. He will surely be missed.
Laura, Alan, Bobby, Andy, Ashley, and Amanda Miller
Debbie, I heard you speak at the Spring event at Stone Mountain when you told of your wonderful marriage to Dick. I am so sorry that it ended too soon. I knew Dick and Dianne at Smokerise Baptist.
Debbie, there are no words. Know you are greatly loved. Praying for peace in the days to come. We love you.
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Dick. He was a wonderful man and friend. Our family’s thoughts are with you all.
What a pleasure and honor I had for 10 years working with Dr. Reasoner. He was such a dedicated man and counselor, and generous to a fault to all his patients. He allowed me to become a part of his ministry that only God could have planned. I am blessed to have known him as I did. His family was at the heart of all he did. His wife, Debbie, was God’s gift to him, and consequently, to me. Debbie, our hearts are eternally bound together as we grieve the loss of a man who forever changed our lives.
My love and prayers are with you all.
Dick will be missed very much. He was such a kind man. My prayers and thought fpr the family may God be with yall and comfort you. Dick is rejoicing with our Lord our father now. I can see him smiling.
Dick will be missed very much. He was such a kind man. My prayers and thought for the family may God be with yall and comfort you. Dick is rejoicing with our Lord our father now. I can see him smiling.
My family and I returned from vacation only yesterday and, at our morning prayer for our church greeter team, I learned of Dick’s passing. The last time I saw Dick was just two weeks ago and he shared with me, at some length, his insight to Matthew 5:39. My initial shock was quickly overcome with concern and loss for his wife and family members… but comfort in the solid knowledge that he is most happy right now… what a great testimony and heart. Hope to see you on the other side, Dick!
When I got the news I was torn to pieces. It just did not seem real. I had just seen him two weeks ago. He was my daughters and my counselor for 10 years. He changed our lives. He was an extraordinary man. I will miss him dearly. He will forever be in our hearts . It was a true honor to have had the privilege to know him. Rest in peace my friend. I love you. Prayers for the family. Truly sorry for your loss.
Susan Johnson
My prayers are for the family now and forever. You were truly blessed to have known him as Husband, Father, Siblings, Friend. He was our councilor but I felt like he was my friend. He helped us tremendously. He was a rare person. It seemed he left in the middle of a conversation, so sudden. But He is in the presence of the Lord. What better conversation is there. I’ve been a Christian all my life but felt like Dr. Reasoner brought me closer to Christ. That’s what this life is all about. We will miss him. I think a small piece of him will live in use all. God Bless and keep you all.
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to Dick Reasoner’s family.
Over the past 15 years Dr. Reasoner navigated me and my family through many land mines.
It is by the grace of God and Dr. Reasoner’s guidance that we stand strong today as a loving and unified family unit. Although my heart is deeply saddened by his loss, I know that he has taken his rightful place in the universe and I cry tears of joy. He did indeed accomplish his mission of living every day for God’s smile. Rest well my friend for the Lord is well pleased.
I knew Dick by way of friendship with mutual friend Mark Dotson. Although I never met him in person, I talked to him several times on the phone. He was a very nice person, and I always enjoyed talking to him. So sorry for the loss of your father/husband. My deepest sympathy to you all.
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I hope the words found at Revelation 21:4 brings comfort.
Richard I miss u so much. I will remember every single therapy session we had together, and all the things u taught me to handle my complicated life. If it were for u then I wouldn’t have been here in the first place. Thank You for everything.
I am sorry to read of Dick’s passing. He got my wife and I through a rough patch in the early 80’s. What an incredible man.