Carl Samuel Reid

On Monday, July 2, 1951, Carl Samuel Reid made his entrance into the family of Edna M. and Clarence S. Reid; the third of five children. Carl was a quiet, pensive child when contrasted with his mischievous brother Earl, and his bookish older sister, Beverley. The three would occupy their non-school hours building roads and bridges in the backyard of the home, using construction materials that were readily available from supplies purchased by their father, who was a builder and contractor. The family grew as it welcomed brother Trevor (deceased) and sister Trevolyn.

As was customary in Adventist families, Carl joined and was an active member of the Vanguard Pathfinder Club at Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston. He enjoyed camping, hiking and swimming, as well as the numerous activities of a very active Adventist Youth (then Missionary Volunteer) Society.

Carl attended Mico Preparatory and Kingsway High schools before migrating with his two older siblings to Berrien Springs, Michigan where he attended Andrews Academy, graduating in 1970.

In 1974, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Fort Walton, Florida. It was during this tour of duty that he received his initial training as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician, and simultaneously, honed his skills as a carpenter. He subsequently attended and graduated from the Orlando Vocational Technical School.

Carl married Maxine C Brown after the renewal of an acquaintance that had it’s inception in Rollington Town SDA Church. They would move to New York where they together served, he in the building/renovations of: Linden SDA Church (Laurelton, NY), Queens Faith Temple (Springfield Gardens, NY) and Ebenezer SDA Church (Freeport, Long Island, NY).

His empathy for the underdog spurred philanthropic endeavors into the homes and lives of the poor, disenfranchised individuals of New York City and on the island of Jamaica. These endeavors included directing the needy to available health care and food and nutrition services. He would organize shipments of necessary food and supplies to the poor in Jamaica.

Carl loved children, cooking Jamaican dishes and he displayed an artistic streak as demonstrated in his ceramic/pottery dishes which he proudly displayed around the kitchen. His passion, however, was to one day retire to farming of pimento and bananas. To this end, he purchased several acres in Eastern Jamaica. This dream was however prevented by a prolonged and difficult illness which ended near midnight on Friday, May 3, 2019. On Thursday May 2, Carl called just about everyone he knew; he was in a great mood, and was feeling well and strong. He now awaits the voice of the Almighty God on that “Great Gettin’ Up Morning.”

Left to mourn are:

Wife: Maxine C Brown

Children: Cleonel, Linda, Michelle, Carl Jr., Marquez

Grandchildren: Justin, Imani, Kamari, Sariya, Soleil and Carter

Mother: Edna M. Reid

Siblings: Beverley (Clinton), Earl (Pat), Trevolyn (Ronald)

A host of nieces, nephews and friends.