William C. Reed Jr.

William C. Reed, Jr. did pass away on February 15, 2013, in his older daughter’s home in Santa Monica, California. His age was 94. Surviving in his immediate family are his older daughter, Donna L. Reed; his son, Van Edward Reed; and his younger daughter, Mary Susan Reed.

Mr. Reed and his beloved siblings, Jane, Grace, and James “Jim” (all, now deceased), were reared by their parents, Olive J. Swenson-Reed and William C. Reed, Sr., in Eagle Lake, Texas. Mr. Reed had fond childhood memories of his family, including spending summer times with his grandparents. Mr. Reed participated in football, track and basketball, at Eagle Lake High School. After graduating, he attended the University of Texas for two years. On November 18, 1940, Mr. Reed was inducted into the U.S. Army, Special Weapons, Troop, 124th Regiment, of the 56th Brigade. He was honorably discharged on February 21, 1942.

Thereafter, Mr. Reed married Gladys B. Watts. They resided, and reared their three children, in Houston, Texas. He worked at ExxonMobil (present name of corporation) for 30 years, as a senior statistical gas analyst. After retiring, he then worked at Miller and Lents, Ltd., as a statistical gas consultant. While working at ExxonMobil, Mr. Reed did resume his studies at the University of Houston. In 1953, he and his mother, Olive Reed, attended the same graduation ceremony to receive their diplomas, from the University of Houston.

After moving to a home in Sharpstown, in the early 1980s, Mr. Reed and his wife, Gladys, attended St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, occasionally taught Bible studies, and was an active member of the United Methodist Men’s group. Mr. Reed was also active with the AARP Bayland Park-Houston, Chapter 4418, where he served as a past president and on several other committees. He and Gladys also liked attending the Bayland Park exercise classes. Mr. Reed stayed in touch with former colleagues by attending many of the local Exxon Annuity banquets, which were held at the BraeBurn Country Club. Sadly, Gladys did pass away on April 2, 2003.

Mr. Reed’s younger daughter, Susan, and his son, Van Edward, started to assist him with daily living, in June 2009. From December 2009 until August 2012, Mr. Reed resided in a retirement community in Southwest Houston, with Susan. He enjoyed attending St. Philip’s United Methodist Church and Bible studies, going for rides, spending time with his adult children and extended family, dining with friends and family, visiting Lakewood Church, and participating in the retirement community’s activities and events.

On August 28, 2012, Mr. Reed relocated to Santa Monica, California, to live with his older daughter, Donna. He attended the Wise & Healthy Aging adult day care. Mr. Reed always looked forward to riding in the car, with Donna, to view the Pacific Ocean. Donna and he, often, went to eat on Montana Avenue where he loved to speak with passers-by, and pet their dogs.

Mr. Reed deeply cherished his wife and children, his extended family, his friends, and his church. It was a blessing for his adult children to have quality time, and some adventures, with their dad in his later years. His daughter, Susan, was grateful to be with him in Santa Monica for the last 28 days of his life, where she shared responsibilities with Donna and his caretakers. He will be sorely missed by Donna, Susan and Van Edward. His family believes he is now in Heaven with the Lord, and has now reunited with loved ones and friends who went before him.

Mr. Reed’s visitation will commence on Saturday, March 2, at St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut St., Houston, TX 77096, at 1:00 p.m., followed by his funeral, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow the funeral service in the church fellowship hall, beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, or to a charity of choice.

Mr. Reed’s burial service will be at Houston National Cemetery, located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, on Monday, March 4, commencing at 10:00 a.m.

Please find his obituary, photos and a guestbook, at www.earthmanbellaire.com.