Joseph Johnstone Reid

Joseph Johnstone Reid, affectionately known as “Joey,” was born on May 12, 1936, in White Horses, St. Thomas, Jamaica, to Charlton Reid and Rose Thomas. Raised in the care of his beloved grandmother, Susan Jacobs, Joey grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and the rich culture of rural Jamaica.

As a teenager, Joey moved to Kingston to live with his older sister Elsie, a transition that would shape the trajectory of his life. It was in Kingston that he trained as an electrician—a trade that became not just a career but a lifelong identity. His first professional position was with Caymanas Park, where he put his newly acquired skills to work.

Those who knew Joey in his younger years remember a man full of life and energy. He had a Colgate smile that was contagious—the kind that made you smile back before you even knew why. Music was his lifeblood. He amassed a record collection large enough to make any DJ jealous, and he played it all the time: country western, disco, reggae, and soul. The house was never quiet and never dull when Joey was home. He was a social force, a party animal of no mean order who could light up any gathering with his presence and his spirit. And yet, for all his love of a good time, Joey was immaculately put together. He was meticulous about cleanliness and order—a trait that followed him throughout his life, from the precision of his electrical work to the manicured perfection of his lawn.

In 1963, Joey met the love of his life, Ena Allen. Two years later, in July 1965, they were joined in marriage—a union that would endure for sixty beautiful years. Together, they built a life defined by commitment, resilience, and unwavering devotion to one another and to their family. There was always laughter in the house and never a dull moment. Joey had a gift for turning the ordinary into something memorable, including his signature farewell: “Get home in one pieces!” he would call out whenever anyone left the house—and he’d check in afterward to make sure you did. It was a small phrase, but it carried the full weight of his love, delivered in the most Joey way possible.

In December 1969, Joey migrated to Brooklyn, New York, where he secured a position as an electrician with Greyhound. He served the company faithfully for seventeen years, earning the respect of his colleagues and establishing himself as a skilled and reliable tradesman. It was during his years at Greyhound that he discovered a passion for table tennis—a game that brought him great joy and friendly competition.

In 1987, a family vacation to South Florida proved to be more than a getaway—it was a turning point. Joey fell in love with the sunshine, the pace of life, and the possibilities, and made the bold decision to relocate his family. True to form, the first thing he did was find work. He was hired by Hobart to repair industrial kitchen equipment, a role that kept him busy traveling between Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys. South Florida also deepened Joey’s love of sports. Golf captured his imagination, and Tiger Woods became his idol. Though he never played the game himself, Joey became an avid enthusiast—devouring the sports section of the newspaper, watching tournaments on television, and attending events in person alongside his dear friend Wally and his son-in-law, Gactjens. He was equally passionate about tennis, especially when the Williams sisters were playing. He had the privilege of seeing Serena Williams play live on two occasions—moments he cherished deeply.

Joey was, above all, a creator. He loved to tinker, build, and fix. Those who knew him called him a jack of all trades—and they were right. He was an electrician by profession, a tailor by talent, and an unofficial engineer by instinct. If something was broken, Joey could fix it. If something didn’t exist yet, Joey could build it. His immaculate and well-stocked garage was the Home Depot of the community—if you needed a tool of any kind, you came to see Mr. Joe. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he did so freely.

Joey also carried a deep love for the land. Flowers, plants, and nature were his passion, and he took immense pride in cultivating and maintaining what was widely regarded as the best-kept lawn on the block—a green, manicured testament to his dedication and care. He would spend hours in the garden, tending to every bloom and blade, and Ena would have to beg him to come inside and eat. For Joey, the garden was not just a hobby—it was a sanctuary.

He was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. The children in the neighborhood thought he was a candy factory—there was always something sweet waiting for them at Mr. Joe’s house. Whether it was lending a tool, sharing a treat, or simply offering a warm smile, Joey made everyone around him feel welcome and cared for.

Joey was also a man who celebrated the people around him. Whenever his friend Justin came to visit, Joey would proudly introduce his little cousin Claire as the one who made the best fried dumplings in the world—and he meant it. He would go on and on until Claire had no choice but to make a fresh batch for them. As he liked to tell Justin, “If you don’t eat Claire’s fry dumplings, you don’t start eating fried dumplings yet.” It was classic Joey—lifting up the people he loved, making sure everyone around him was seen, celebrated, and well fed.

Joey was preceded in death by his two older sisters, Leila Lewis and Elsie Reid; and his daughter, Carole-Ann Reid.

He Leaves to Cherish His Memory:

His devoted wife of sixty years, Ena Reid; his children, Phyllis (Earle) Clarke, Mark (Margie) Reid, Donna (Leon) Reid-Coley, Carl (Michelle) Bucknor, Charmaine James, Kelleen Reid, and Joan (Gactjens) Saint-Hilaire; his grandchildren, Fabian (Bobby), Charmaine, Khadija, Ariana, Blair, and Carole; his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Matthew, and Titan; and his great-great-grandson, Yadiel; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

A life well lived. A family well loved.

Rest in peace, Joey.

A visitation will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, on March 7, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. An additional visitation is scheduled at the same venue on March 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, on March 8, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Following the funeral service, a committal service will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, located at 2401 Davie Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317, on March 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.