In Memoriam: Frank Elmore and Hugh Reynolds, Jr.

Frank Elmore

On December 28, 2021, the Forum, and this world, lost one of its most generous spirits when Frank Elmore lost his courageous battle with lung cancer.

To describe Frank as a generous spirit is an understatement. He was always there to help, whether it was to listen to a creative legal argument, or to help you with your golf swing. Frank made it a point to make everyone feel welcome in the Forum, especially newcomers. He went out of his way to greet folks and help them become engaged. In doing so, he made many friends and was greatly admired. Frank volunteered to organize our Forum meeting golf outings, which he did superbly, as he did everything. For that reason, many believed that golf was Frank’s passion. For those of us who were very close to him and his family, we know that his real passion was his wife, Lee, who he fell in love with when they were both law students at the University of South Carolina, and his wonderful daughters, Marguerite and Sarah Lawton. Frank bragged about their accomplishments all the time. We will miss Frank’s smile and his hearty laugh. But we  cannot miss him as much as his “girls,” as he affectionately called them. He has left a hole in their hearts and in their lives. Please keep them in your prayers. 

Hugh Reynolds, Jr.

On December 22, 2021, Hugh Reynolds, Jr., passed away at the age of 92. Hugh was an extraordinary person, brilliant lawyer, a great leader, a Napoleonic and Civil War historian, a Veteran, a mentor, a devout Catholic, and a family man.

While his innumerable awards, appointments, and honors are too many to mention, Hugh served as chair of both the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law (1987 – 1988) and ABA Fidelity and Surety Law Committee; and was a recipient of the Cornerstone Award for Lifetime Achievement from the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law (1989).

Hugh spoke and wrote with eloquence and authority not only on subjects in his fields of practice, but also on many other topics, among which were Civil War battles, Napoleonic Wars, religion, wine and high cuisine. It was a privilege to enjoy dinner with Hugh where many, if not all, of these topics were discussed.

Hugh was a mentor to young lawyers and was very instrumental in the development and advancement of female lawyers through his firm and national organizations. Upon hearing of Hugh’s passing, many have said that he made this world and legal profession better. This truly describes the impact Hugh Reynolds made upon the legal profession and upon others.

While Hugh is gone, he will never be forgotten.