SFC (Retired) William Haywood “Bill” Reid was given life on this earth on December 3, 1938 in Weldon, North Carolina to Florence and Jake Reid, Sr. He departed this life on March 5, 2022 in Topeka, Kansas.
He was educated in the Weldon, NC school systems before being drafted into the United States Army in December 1961. During his 21 years of faithful military service, he served 3 tours in Vietnam, Europe, and various military bases in the U.S. His awards included: the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm device and the Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon. After retiring in Fort Riley, Kansas, he worked as a Department of the Army Civilian as the lead mechanic at the Auto Craft Shop on Fort Riley for another 20 years.
He was joined in holy matrimony to Mary Lee Smalls, January 5, 1967 in Marion, SC. Their love continued for 55 years until his death.
When he wasn’t working, his hobby had always been working on cars for himself, friends or whoever needed help. He never turned down anyone who needed help turning a wrench. His favorite car was the classic 1964 Pontiac GTO. He once stripped down a vehicle to its frame and rebuilt it by hand. His love of cars also included building model cars.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife of 55 years, Mary L. Reid of the home; a son Tracey A. Reid of Ellenwood, GA; two daughters, Stefanie D. Hooten of Ellenwood, GA and Veronica Thomas(Capers) of Douglasville, GA; a brother, Jake Reid, Jr. of Washington, DC, and a sister, Hanola Crowell of Weldon, NC; 4 grandchildren: Ti’Jhan D. Smith of Killeen, TX, Marcus L. Hooten(Krista) of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Alliyah L. Hooten of Ellenwood, GA and Psalms M. Reid of Richardson, TX; 5 great grandchildren: Henry, Karter, Maeyani, Jesiah, and Julian; a sister-in-law, Claretta Gore of Nichols, SC; a brother-in-law, Phil Latson, Jr. (Debra) of Laurel, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Proceeding him in death: his parents, brother Joseph Reid, and sister Louise Steele.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #8773 and the Masonic Brothers of the Palmetto Lodge #397 in South Carolina.
In Gratitude;
The Reid family wish to thank each of you for your outpouring support from family and friends. We gratefully acknowledge your prayers, cards, flowers, visits and many other expressions of love and kindness during our time of bereavement. May God continue to bless each one of you.
Repast will be held at the VFW Post #8773, South Washington Street, Junction City, KS.
Visitation: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p..m.,
Johnson Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 203 North Washington
Junction City, KS 66441, 785-762-3131
Homegoing Service: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.
Johnson Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., Kansas Veterans Cemetery
Interment: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., Kansas Veterans' Cemetery