Jerry Tyree Reed

Jerry Tyree Reed passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024. He was born on April 26, 1939. He was preceded in death by his parents Icy Snow Reed and George Luther Reed. Jerry graduated from Jefferson high school in 1958 and Virginia Tech in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. When Jerry was seven years old, his father passed away. Since Jerry was an only child, that left just Jerry and his beloved mother. He was very close to his mom and she instilled in him good moral values and a strong work ethic. He attended Sunday school and church weekly at Calvary Baptist Church, where he was an active member and sang in the choir. He was very active in scouts, achieved many awards, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 15 years old. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jerry served in the Army Reserves while embarking on his career. He had various sales positions before venturing out on his own. Over the next few years he owned several businesses, but his greatest success was Bon Air Cleaners. In 1973 he purchased two local dry cleaners, and grew this business into 38 locations across the state. His accomplishments as an entrepreneur earned him the honor of Richmond Businessman of the Year in 1985 and Businessman of the Year for the state of Virginia in 1986. For this award he was honored at the White House during the Reagan administration. After selling his business, Jerry devoted his time to volunteer work and his family. He served as a Deacon and Elder at Salisbury Presbyterian Church. He was president of the board of governors of the Virginia Home for Boys and served on the board for 16 years. He volunteered weekly at Bon Secours St Francis Hospital. In addition, he always sponsored a child through the Christian Children’s Fund and delighted in receiving letters from his sponsored children. Jerry was a member of Salisbury Presbyterian Church, and Ut Prosim Society of Virginia Tech. Jerry was a kind, generous and humble man. He had a soft spot in his heart for all animals, especially dogs and was a continued supporter of RAL and SPCA. Jerry especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His other passions included cars, boats and motorcycles. He even made two cross country trips on his Harley Davidson with friends. He was proud to obtain his private pilot’s license in 1986. His favorite times were spent at their river house on the Rappahannock River in Tappahannock with his family, and traveling with his wife Eloise. Jerry will be remembered by many who loved him. He was a jokester and maintained his sense of humor until the end. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Eloise Horton Reed a.k.a. “My Squeeze Eloise”, two beloved children Nikki Reed Winstead, her husband Byron, and Justin Tyree Reed and his wife Alexis, his adored grandson Aiden Reed Winstead, brothers-in-law Ray Horton and Don Horton, and sisters-in-law Diane Horton and Margaret Horton, several nieces and nephews, three grand-dogs Wynnie, Gus, and Nora, and many wonderful friends A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 30 at 2:30 PM at Salisbury Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at Salisbury Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to RAL, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice. The family is grateful for the excellent care he received at Spring Arbor Cottage, and by Crater Community Hospice. Special thanks to his devoted friends who have faithfully visited Jerry during his extended illness and offered support to his family.