Obituary for John Richard "Rick" Reed
John Richard Reed passed away in the early morning of March 5th surrounded by his loved ones. Rick was born June 25, 1946 in the upstairs bedroom of his grandparents’ home in Golborne England. His mother, Doris Unsworth and father, James Edward Reed met during WWII. Rick and his mother came to America aboard the USS Washington on February 25, 1947 and traveled by train from NY to NC to join his father in Black Mountain. His formative years were spent in Black Mountain. Rick was a 1965 graduate of Charles D. Owen High School and attended Asheville Buncombe Technical College. Following school, he worked for Kearfott Corporation and Northwestern Bank, where he was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 1979.
He found his true calling when he went into sales for Ford Motor Company. The man knew his cars and how to match you with just the “right one for you”! Rick never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and by the end of the chat you considered him a friend and someone you could trust to help you make the best decision. It was not uncommon for folks to follow him to wherever he was currently working to buy their new vehicle.
Rick loved cars, Carolina basketball and golf. He especially enjoyed playing golf at the Black Mountain golf course with lifelong friends.
He may have not been born in these hills, but he earned the right to claim he was a “native”. We could not go anywhere that he did not know someone in the room! Rick loved his community and developed many great friendships with his neighbors. He served as community watch leader until health issues forced him to step down.
Above all else, Rick valued family and was happiest when we all gathered for celebrations and holidays. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and his fur babies!
Rick is survived by his wife, Jeanine (Shepherd) Reed; in-laws, Eugene and Peggy Shepherd; sister-in-law, Tracie (Gregg) Pace; sister, Robin Reed Jones (Chuck); children, Paige Wilson (Todd), Keith Reed (Mitzi), Ashley Reed and Jason Reed.
Also surviving are grandchildren; Drew Brittain (McKenzie), Annie McNeely (fiancée Tim), Brigman Reed and Drake Reed; as well as nieces and nephews.
There will be a drop in gathering of family and friends, incorporating masks and safe distancing, from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, March 28 at The Laurel Creek Clubhouse, 1 Laurel Creek Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department, 235 Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803 in appreciation for all the times they responded and assisted Rick. Their kindness and professionalism can never be fully repaid.
He found his true calling when he went into sales for Ford Motor Company. The man knew his cars and how to match you with just the “right one for you”! Rick never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and by the end of the chat you considered him a friend and someone you could trust to help you make the best decision. It was not uncommon for folks to follow him to wherever he was currently working to buy their new vehicle.
Rick loved cars, Carolina basketball and golf. He especially enjoyed playing golf at the Black Mountain golf course with lifelong friends.
He may have not been born in these hills, but he earned the right to claim he was a “native”. We could not go anywhere that he did not know someone in the room! Rick loved his community and developed many great friendships with his neighbors. He served as community watch leader until health issues forced him to step down.
Above all else, Rick valued family and was happiest when we all gathered for celebrations and holidays. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and his fur babies!
Rick is survived by his wife, Jeanine (Shepherd) Reed; in-laws, Eugene and Peggy Shepherd; sister-in-law, Tracie (Gregg) Pace; sister, Robin Reed Jones (Chuck); children, Paige Wilson (Todd), Keith Reed (Mitzi), Ashley Reed and Jason Reed.
Also surviving are grandchildren; Drew Brittain (McKenzie), Annie McNeely (fiancée Tim), Brigman Reed and Drake Reed; as well as nieces and nephews.
There will be a drop in gathering of family and friends, incorporating masks and safe distancing, from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, March 28 at The Laurel Creek Clubhouse, 1 Laurel Creek Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department, 235 Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC 28803 in appreciation for all the times they responded and assisted Rick. Their kindness and professionalism can never be fully repaid.