Herman Reid

A Life Well Lived.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing from this life of the patriarch of our family,  Mr. Herman Reid, of Statesville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

A husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather, Deacon of his church and pillar of his community, Herman loved the Lord and his church, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Harmony, North Carolina.

Herman was born to the late Inez Dalton Reid and Jack Reid on February 2, 1937, in Iredell County. On July 16th, 1962, he was united in marriage to Bessie Geraldine Millsaps who preceded him in death--a union that lasted for 60 years. Preceding him in death is his sister, Faye Redmon; brothers,  Andrew P. Reid and Buford Reid; and his beloved cousin, Harvey Dalton, Sr.

Herman was a 1956 graduate of Unity High School in Statesville, North Carolina. After his graduation and during his short time employed with Southern Screw, Herman decided that working for someone else was not as pleasing or beneficial for his needs. He had an entrepreneurial spirit.  That spirit was exercised in 1973 by purchasing and proudly owning his own dump truck under the business name of Herman Reid Trucking.  His business provided services to the surrounding communities for many years. In service to his community, he was also a volunteer fireman with Wayside Fire Department for a number of years.

Herman was a man who stood on his principles and didn’t mince his words. Some may know him as the “Apple Man” from his  travels to the apple orchards to bring fresh varieties of apples to the community. He was also known for delivering fresh fruit baskets to the senior citizens of various communities during the Christmas season. A very giving person, Herman took pleasure in paying for your breakfast or lunch, a haircut or just a few dollars for an ice cream treat. 

Quick witted and full of humor, Herman always had a response to anything you asked him. He always made sure to get the last word in, which usually ended in laughter and no response until the next time you saw him. 

Herman loved the outdoors, especially during the summer, as he enjoyed caring for his garden and beautiful flowers and proudly manicured his lawn. You could help him or take it upon yourself to perform the tasks of gardening--but rest assured he was going to watch and make sure it was done his way. Herman managed these tasks, even in his final days, and he was very proud of the care he placed upon them. 

Herman was also an avid sports fan and loved to watch, talk and live for sports, especially football and basketball. A lifelong Washington Redskins (Commanders) fan, he supported them through the good times and the bad times. Additionally, he loved supporting the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. If you saw him often you saw him proudly wearing some team apparel from one of those teams.  

Those left to cherish his memory are daughter Regina Pippen (Fred) and son Patrick Reid (Cassandra); grandchildren Cameron Reid (Unique), Simone Curette (Jason), Michael Murphy, and Carine Reid; great-grandchildren Jasmine Reid, Cameron Reid Sr., Greyson Curette, and Kamyiah Reid; sister Epsie Coetta McCleese; brother Harry Reid (Valetha); brother-in-law Lester Millsaps Jr., (Edith); sister-in-law Mary Millsaps; goddaughter Toni Dawkins; special cousin Shelton Dalton; special family friend David Imes; dear neighbor and companion James Gray; his neighbor and helper Michael Jackson; Jerry Davis who was his favorite caterer, and cooked chicken meals in the way he loved best; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends. 

Herman will lie in repose at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home on Monday, July 20, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.  The family hour will begin on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Harmony.  A Worship and Celebration Service will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the Reverend Stanley Turner officiating.  Rev. Turner will be assisted by the Reverend Sylvester Reed.  Herman will be eulogized by the Rev. Sylvester Norris of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Concord.

He will be laid to rest, next to his wife, at Iredell Memorial Gardens in Statesville.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Reid and his family.