Ronald Eufrancis Reed

Ronald Eufrancis Reed was born October 5, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi, to proud parents Oscar and Esther Reed. Ron was the oldest brother to four siblings Michael, Ricke (wife Edith), Eric and sister Deb.

Ron spent a portion of his childhood growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving to California. He attended Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles. After graduating, he joined the Army as a Combat Engineer in Vietnam from 1966 until he was honorably discharged in 1972. After leaving the Army, Ron continued his education at UCLA graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Ron began his career at the Southern California Gas Company in 1972 as a Crew Assistant. Each position he held gave him the knowledge and experience to continue to move into those jobs he enjoyed. After 31 years, Ron retired from the Gas Company in 2003 as District Operations Manager. Throughout his career he was always thankful and appreciative of those he worked with and never hesitated to help others with their career goals.

Ron and Jackie Reed were married in May 1970, and in 1971 they welcomed their daughter, Ronnell, whom he immediately crowned and titled Daddy’s Girl. He was involved with every aspect of her life and in their daily talks about football, basketball, and the UCLA Bruins. Never has a man spoke more lovingly about his daughter than Ron. Their conversations always included lots of laughs about the grandkids and great granddaughter. Ron loved his position as role as Papa when he became as grandfather to Mecole, born in 1994 and Alesha born in 2003. He became a proud great grandfather with the birth of Hannah in 2019. Every morning he would text his girls to say, “I love you and have a good day or share a joke.” He was never too busy to answer a call, provide guidance and support.

Ron was a family man not only with his children, but with his parents and siblings. He was the ultimate big brother to his four siblings, Michael, Ricke, Eric and his sister Deb, and uncle to Deb’s daughter Shantelle. Every day he would call his father, Oscar, to ask about his health, discuss politics and sports. Ron would share stories about his dad and missed not seeing him as much as he wanted. Those conversations were always lively and included lots of laughs. His daily conversations with his youngest brother Ricke would mirror the laughs and talks he had with his dad.

In 1996, he married Stephanie Hester, and they shared 27 years of marriage, love and life. They were best friends, enjoyed family, traveling, attending jazz concerts, a good glass of wine and a good glass of scotch. They enjoyed seeing who would read the next Harry Bosch book first or get the next tattoo. They were a quiet couple enjoying each other at their favorite restaurant, or sitting on the patio as Stephanie watched Ron fall asleep and he would always deny he was asleep. They knew each other’s thoughts and most times knew what the other was going to say before it was said. A smile, the way a hand was held were just some of the silent signals shared.

Ron was a great stepfather to Jason, Stephanie’s son. They would frequently speak of shared interest for hours from life issues, wine, and his goal of becoming sommelier, the “sneaker head” community (tennis shoes) and their military service. He had a loving and fond relationship with his mother-in-law Carlita, Ricky and Maria (brother in-law and sister-in-law), and Jennifer and George (niece and husband).

Ron loved golf, photography, gardening. He enjoyed his Las Vegas “Golf Squad” (Norm, Joe, Warren, and Percy) and their twice weekly games. He always had a story to share when he got home. He didn’t see his California buddies, Reggie Thompson, Bobby Jones and Jim Lucas as often as he would have liked, but their conversations always made him smile and laugh.

Ron was preceded in death by his brother Michael, and his mother Esther. He leaves behind a host of friends and family. He enjoyed them all and appreciated them in his life.