John "Dick" Reed

John Richard (Dick) Reed passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2017at Briar Hill Nursing Home in Florence, Mississippi. Dick was born in Jackson, MS on July 19, 1929 to Arthur and Marie Reed. He was an outstanding athlete at Forest Hill High School, where he played football and baseball, excelling in both sports. But his first love was baseball. After high school, he played minor league ball in Florida with the St. Louis Cardinals organization, but returned home to Jackson to visit his sweetheart, Gloria Chapman, and decided that he loved Gloria more than a career in baseball. They were married soon after on June 4, 1948, in Jackson, where they lived and raised their four children. For many years, he coached his sons’ Little League teams, and later in life, attended as man of his grandsons’ baseball and basketball games that he possibly could. Dick was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a wonderful provider for his family, working in the home building business for well over 50 years, retiring at the age of 85.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman and great duck hunter. A member of the Mims Mitchell Hunting Club in Issaquena County since the early 70’s, he could be found in the duck blind each and every morning of duck season, weather permitting. His last hunt was in January 2016. He was known by duck hunters near and far for the beautiful, custom made wooden duck calls that he created in his shop for many years. He also was a prolific gardener, growing and abundance and variety of vegetables each summer. In the spring he would plant over 100 tomato plants in early April, so that he would have bragging rights to the first ripe tomatoes before any of his gardening buddies! He was almost always the winner! Dick came to faith in Jesus Christ later in his adult life and attended Griffith Memorial Baptist Church until his health began to decline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marie Reed; brother, Arthur Reed, Jr.; sister, Rosemarie Warren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Chapman Reed; children, Cindy Reed, David Reed (Donna), Roger Reed (Leigh Ann), Paul Reed; and 6 grandchildren, Neil Schwartz, Chris Reed (Melanie), Brett Reed (Blair), Jake Reed, Cody Reed, and Hunter Reed. He also leaves behind 3 precious great-grandchildren: Wyatt Reed, Chapman Reed, and Collin Reed.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on February 10, 2017 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM with funeral services to follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Griffith Memorial Baptist Church: 5275 Terry Rd, Jackson, MS 39212.

Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.