John Calvin Reid

John C. Reid was born in 1938 in Richburg, SC, to Rose Burns and D.C. Reid. The youngest of six, he had a happy childhood on the family farm. He often said his best friend was Mag Senior, the family’s beloved nanny who left an indelible and positive mark on his life. John excelled in 4H, sports and academics and received an appointment to West Point. Upon graduation, the 2nd Lieutenant married Kathryn Woods of Chester, SC, and set off for his first post in Germany. While there, his children, David and Martha, were born. In 1964, the family moved to Columbus, GA. An Airborne Ranger, John was recruited for a special reconnaissance mission in Laos where he developed relationships with the Hmong community and its leadership. He later volunteered for Vietnam; he was awarded the Purple Heart and multiple medals for valor in combat, including the Silver Star. In 1969, the family moved to Spartanburg, where John taught ROTC at Wofford. In 1972, Major Reid resigned from the army, but still wishing to serve his country, he joined the FBI. The Bureau sent him to Miami for 3 years, and then Manhattan for 7 years (counterespionage). In 1982, he transferred to Atlanta, where he served in an undercover technical surveillance unit. He was the rare FBI agent who also had useful military skills (as in rappelling down office buildings). His last big case was the prison riots at the Federal Pen in Atlanta in 1987 where John was tasked with surreptitiously entering and installing listening devices.

John was remarkably self-sufficient and could not abide idleness (much to the chagrin of his children on Saturday mornings). Upon retirement, John designed and built a sunroom made of heart pine, and furniture in walnut that he harvested from the Richburg farm. He volunteered with Handy Pals (free handyman services for the elderly), Habitat for Humanity and Dunwoody UMC. John was an avid tennis player and golfer at Kingsley and Horseshoe Bend. He adored his family, especially his wife, Kathryn, to whom he was married for 62 years. They were true partners in life, whether playing tennis or bridge, dancing, undertaking projects, or raising children. The two never missed a Braves game, March Madness or college football. They thoroughly enjoyed entertaining and were the family’s center of gravity. John delighted in his grandchildren and was their biggest supporter at all sporting events. He taught the kids how to play cards at such a young age that their hands were too small to hold the cards (so he built them a slotted holding board). He was in charge of fun at family beach trips, whether it was golf, volleyball or riding the waves. He was ever the gentleman, offering visitors a comfy chair and a cold drink, and making sure all women without dance partners had an opportunity to cut the rug. He was passionate about fairness and justice, and his integrity was beyond reproach.

John passed on October 15, 2024. His wife, Kathryn, and son, David Reid, passed before him. John is survived by his daughter, Martha Fair (Mark), daughter-in-law, Mindy Zatto, and grandchildren Andrew, David and Katie Fair; Tyler, Justin and Dylan Reid, and an extended network of beloved relatives and friends.

A service will be held at Dunwoody UMC at 2:00 on Nov 3rd. The extended family will gather in Richburg, SC, at Union ARP at 11 am on Dec 20 to honor John and Kathryn.

For those inquiring about memorials, thank you. We offer two suggestions: The David H. Reid ‘83 Endowed Scholarship-Fund B3961, PO Box 1889, Clemson SC 29633, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29633. Or, the Union ARP Church Cemetery Fund, ℅ David McCain, 1254 Silverbrook Rd, Richburg, SC 29729. The family would also like to extend its loving gratitude to the special caregivers at Safe Haven.