Michael Reed

He was preceded in death by his mother – Mary Beth McDonald, father – Charles Mitchell Reed, step-parents – Edgar McLain, Juanita Reed and Buford McDonald, and child – Charles Reed. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years – Dottie Reed, children – Mike and Effie Reed, Edgar and Corrie Reed and Katie Ramsey, grandchildren- Gabby, Logan, Jacob, Ethan, Cade and Fallon, sister Sherry Priddy, along with countless cousins, nieces, nephews and surrogate family. He never met a stranger and considered everyone he ever shook hands with or hugged family!

His career started out in the US Air Force where he served a 4-year term. He moved back to Midland, Texas in 1975 and served his community, with pride and honor, as a police officer with the Midland Police Department for 31 years where he retired as a Sergeant. He spent many years coaching his kids and countless others in youth sports, which he loved.

Mike was a teacher, instructor and mentor to many, hero and protector of all. His love of God and family were first and foremost in his life. He was The Head Cobra, and probably most proud of that title! He was also considered the favorite and most respected uncle and cousin. Always with a smile, he was the loudest cheerleader and looked for the positive in every person and situation. He was a comedian, prankster (only the good kind), and saboteur…but details cannot be mentioned as the statute of limitations may not have run out on all of these! Mike was a master storyteller of everything from playing chess games on the Golden Gate Bridge to “Leopogators, Wampus Cats and Slabbers”. He was the neighborhood Michael Meyers on Halloween and always up for a good scare. You never knew what corner he might be hiding behind, claiming it as awareness training for all! He was an outdoorsman who loved to plant and grow everything - his yards were always immaculate. He loved to take pictures of flowers, wildlife and mostly his family. He was an armadillo wrangler, snake catcher, mole trapper, deer whisperer (or as some would say Snow White), excellent marksman and all-around lover of the hunt. He trained his kids and grandkids to golf, fish, hunt and skeet shoot so he would always have a partner! He was a golf innovator and played by “Reed Rules.” Mike was a fabulous cook, BBQ master of chicken and all things meat and loved to experiment with new foods. He believed whole heartedly that anything could be made into a burrito and everything needed hot sauce or a jalapeno pepper to finish it off. He never left a restaurant without rubbing his belly because he was so full, and saying to the server, “Man I sure could use a wheel barrel to roll me out of here!”.

He was a card player, domino partner, artist of skunks, eater of scorecards and “King” of culture nights. Mike was Yacky! If he ever gave you a nickname you knew he loved you, and if there was more than one that was even better. He considered himself technology savvy, but only really knew just enough to get him in trouble! He would truly give you the shirt off his back. He will be missed beyond imagination! We love you dad and know you are home and will be waiting to greet us (or sneak up to scare us) when we get there. Till we meet again, LOL (that means Lots of Love in dad language)!

A celebration of life will be held at the family’s home on Saturday, May 29th from 1pm until dark. If you would like more information, please reach out to the family at 432-934-1708.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his honor to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.