Joseph K Reed Jr.

1919 - 2011

Joseph K. Reed, Jr., aged 91, died in Pensacola on April 29, 2011 after a lifetime of service to others. He was born on December 2, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA.

During WWII, Mr. Reed served on the Coast Guard troop transport Samuel Chase, and was working in the ship’s engine room on D-Day. After the war, he earned a bachelors degree in health education from West Chester State University, a physical therapy certificate from the University of Kansas, and a Masters of Education from Boston University.

Mr. Reed was a physical therapist with the Veterans Administration and later with the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). He retired from USPHS with the (naval) rank of Captain after 25 years of service. While with USPHS, Mr. Reed developed footwear that helped patients with nerve damage due to Hansen’s Disease (leprosy). The footwear proved beneficial to diabetic patients as well. He worked at HD treatment centers in Hawaii, Louisiana and, after his retirement, Ethiopia.

Mr. Reed and his wife, Shirley, retired to Pensacola in 1984 where he volunteered with many charities including Salvation Army, Loaves and Fishes, and the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. A skilled carpenter, he also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and First United’s R&R (Restore and Repair) program. In addition, Mr. Reed worked with both Baptist Hospital and Manna Food Pantries for over 20 years and was named the Outstanding Senior Volunteer of Escambia County of 1998.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed were enthusiastic bicyclists. In the course of cycling throughout the United States - and overseas in England, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy - Joseph logged over 19,000 miles.

Mr. Reed was preceded in death by his parents Bertha and Joseph K. Reed, Sr. and his siblings Rebecca Battin and William Reed. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Reed; his children Diann Fulmer (Richard) of Humble, TX and Susan Reed of Philadelphia, PA; and his grandson Sgt. Jason Voth, USMC, currently serving in Afghanistan.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the staff of Bayside Manor, the staff and residents of Wesley Haven, and to the staff and faith community at First United Methodist Church Pensacola for their many kindnesses.

A memorial service for Mr. Reed, followed by a reception, will be held at First United Methodist Church Pensacola on May 21, 2011 at 9:30 am.

If there are those who would like to make memorial gifts, the family suggests First United Methodist Church Pensacola Living Trust, 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501.