Dr. Walker Reynolds; Physician Invented Surgical Staples

Dr. Walker Reynolds Jr., 85, a surgeon noted for 57 medical inventions including surgical staples, died Thursday in Anniston, Ala. Reynolds’ use of staples and clips instead of sutures to close incisions revolutionized surgery.

The doctor held eight patents and invented 42 operating procedures. He was president of MediSearch/Precision Plus Medico Surgical Instruments/Research and Sports Research.

While serving on Iwo Jima during World War II, Reynolds built an underground medical aid station. Other than his years in the war and in medical school, he spent his entire life in his native Anniston, and practiced medicine for 30 years at Anniston Memorial Hospital.

An avid golfer, Reynolds was past president of the Southern Golf Assn., the Alabama Golf Assn. and the Alabama Seniors Golf Assn.