Marshall Foster Reed Jr.

Marshall Foster Reed, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. A resident of Southport, North Carolina since 2004, Marshall lived a life marked by service, leadership, civic commitment, and a deep devotion to his family.

Marshall was born on November 7, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, to Marshall Foster Reed and Margaret Smith Reed. He grew up in Brightwaters and later Bay Shore, NY. Marshall graduated from Duke University in 1954 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a degree that anchored a lifelong career in transportation infrastructure.

Following graduation, Marshall entered military service with the United States Navy, serving three years as a Lieutenant JG with the elite Underwater Demolition Team (UDT)—the predecessor to the Navy SEALs. Stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii, he earned an Honorable Discharge in 1957, and continued service in the Naval Reserve until his retirement in 1970.

Marshall married Judith Ann Harris in July 1955, in Brandon, VT, beginning a 69-year partnership defined by shared purpose, adventure, and faith. Their married life began in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, during Marshall’s Navy service, and continued in Hingham, MA; Woodbury, NJ; and Vienna, VA. After Vienna, they made their home in Lovettsville, VA, and later retired to their longtime vacation homes in Chittenden and Addison, VT, before finally settling in Southport, NC.

In Vienna, Marshall and Judith were instrumental in the founding of the Emmaus United Church of Christ, helping to organize the congregation, hire its first minister, and oversaw phased construction of the church complex, which thrives today as a vibrant community of worship. Their home was also a place of service: they fostered two children for several years.

Across his professional career, Marshall worked as a Registered Professional Civil Engineer involved with the early deployment of the Interstate Highway System. In 1983 he was awarded the Harland Bartholomew Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for his contributions to the role of the civil engineer in urban planning and development. He later provided strategic consulting to 17 states to modernize their highway programs, including recommendations to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that resulted in restructuring the state’s highway department. His work improved transportation systems that millions of Americans use today.

Marshall was equally active during retirement. From his home in Chittenden, VT, he became active with the Vermont Natural Resources Districts. In Southport, he taught Sunday school at Ocean View Methodist Church on Oak Island, was elected Chairman of his neighborhood HOA and recently, attended the Southport/Oak Island Global Methodist Church.

Marshall approached life with energy and a spirit for the outdoors. As a youth, he joined his father and brothers on deep sea fishing trips, harpooning many newsworthy swordfish and skippering sailboat races on Great South Bay with his brother Don as crew. As a father, he shared his love for skiing, camping, hiking, sailing, and coaching youth sports. He believed in adventure, and he lived it.

Marshall is survived by his four children: Douglas Foster Reed of Reading, MA, Pamela Ann Reed of Chester Gap, VA, David Harris Reed of Bolivia, NC, and Andrew Marshall Reed of Charlestown, WV. He also leaves eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Marshall was predeceased by his three younger brothers, Don, Peter, and Rodney Reed.

Family heritage was important to Marshall. He is a direct descendant of, William Foster, founder of the Town of Lawrenceville, PA in 1814 (now part of Pittsburgh) and one of his sons, Stephen Foster. Stephen Foster, is widely recognized as the father of American music whose works include “My Old Kentucky Home”—remain part of the national cultural legacy.

A Celebration of Life for Marshall will also be held at the Peacock Newnam & White Funeral Home in Southport on January 3, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Rick Russell.

Final interment will take place at the Reed family plot in the North Vernon Cemetery in Vermont, with a joint Celebration of Life for both Marshall and Judith to be held in Chittenden, VT.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the Lower Cape Fear Memory Care and Hospice teams and the Southport/Oak Island Global Methodist Church, to Ranisha Pelham, CNA who provided live-in care for his final 2-1/2 years, and to all who have been part of Marshall’s long and meaningful life.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.