Reed Crosby Cottingham

Reed Crosby Cottingham, 62, found peace with his Heavenly Father on May 13, 2024 in Austin, TX. Waiting for him with big hugs at the pearly white gates were his parents (Norma Graff and James Cottingham), his stepfather (Hugh Graff), and all four of his grandparents.

Reed was born and raised in Independence, MO, but from a very young age he considered Florida to be his home. He moved to Dr. Phillips with his wife and two daughters in 2001, and spent every possible moment of the next nineteen years cherishing the state’s natural beauty, man-made attractions, and vacation-oriented spirit.

Professionally, Reed earned degrees in Psychology and Finance, and worked as a Financial Analyst for Sprint for several years. Life circumstances and soul-searching, however, led him to medicine. As a Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager for Publix, Reed found his calling. His hard work ethic, sense of humor, and unrelenting care for others enabled him to form strong relationships with his patients and technicians over the course of two decades. Reed’s retirement in 2019 allowed him to be enthusiastically involved in the first few years of his grandkids’ lives in Texas, as well as travel all over the United States with his best friend and wife of 37 years, Phyllis.

In addition to Phyllis, Reed is survived by his daughters (Samantha and Ashley), sons-in-law (Derek and Joshua), grandchildren (Vayda, Brandon, and Nora), sister (Madison), step-siblings (Shirley, Natalie, Hap, and Susie), and a whole host of friends and patients whose lives he touched while on this earth.

Two services will be held in honor of Reed, each in a state that he called home:

Graveside Service (Orlando area)

Sunday, June 9th, 11am

Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd

Gotha, FL 34734

*Please dress in Hawaiian/Tropical/floral/Tommy Bahama-like attire to honor Reed*

Celebration of Life (Kansas City area)

Tuesday, July 2nd, 11am

Home of Hap and Susie Graff

30 Dockside

Lake Tapawingo, MO 64015

*Please dress casual—lunch and refreshments will be provided*

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.