Ray Francis Reed

Ray was born in Harrisburg, IL on April 19, 1946 and graduated from Harrisburg Township High School. He went on to receive his BA in biology and chemistry before attending Duke University Medical Center. He was then drafted to the Army as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam Houston where he met his wife Carolyn. They were married on April 14, 1973 and have been happily married for 48 memorable years. He later received an Army Commendation medal for his work establishing their physician assistant program. In 1980, Ray received his Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas.

Ray began his career as a paramedic in 1970 and was soon recognized as "Paramedic of the Year". He made his Hollywood debut as a paramedic “extra” in the famous Dallas episode of “Who Shot JR?” He went on to serve as a Dallas Firefighter for over 33 years before eventually retiring in 2007 as a Battalion Chief. Ray also served as President of the Dallas Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 58) for ten years, where he was instrumental in writing safety standards for SCBA breathing apparatus and lobbying for new legislation. His strong leadership earned him the Barney McKenzie Community Service Award in recognition for his contributions.

Ray had a passion for firefighting, traveling, popcorn, spending time with family, and serving others through his church. His legacy as a devoted husband, loving father, active grandpa, public servant, and steadfast believer of Christ is what he will be remembered for most.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carolyn Reed; his son Michael Reed, daughter Amber and husband Barry Cox, and daughter Jennifer and husband BJ Symons; brothers Ron Reed and wife Melanie, Randy Reed and wife Beverly; and beloved grandkids Heather, Taylor, Bailey, Brayden, Brylee, Slade, and Jett. He is preceded in death by his mother Jeanne Francis Reed & father Lowell Wayne Reed.

Funeral services will be held on Monday March 8, at 11am at Longbranch Community Baptist Church in Midlothian, TX. A viewing will take place at 10am prior to the service. His brother, Ron Reed, will officiate. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the “DFFA Emergency Relief Fund for Firefighters” at 10956 Audelia Road, Dallas TX 75243 or the “Christian Firefighters Association - Line of Duty Memorial Service” at 1551 Baylor Street #200, Dallas, TX 75226. The family wishes to thank the Dallas Firefighter's Auxillary for their unwavering assistance in honoring Ray for his many years of public service.

To attend via livestream please go to lcbcmidlothian.org and click on the link https://fb.me/e/16FLMubBb.