John Reed

Tupelo " John Turner Reed, 84, died Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Tupelo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Tupelo after a short illness. A native and lifelong resident of Tupelo, he was born May 7, 1923 to the late Cecil and Grace Turner Reed. He was a 1943 graduate of Mooreville High School. Immediately after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as an infantryman in the European Theatre and participated in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Earlier in his working life, he worked 8 years with Mississippi Valley Gas Company before working a long and distinguished career as an independent utility contractor. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans in Tupelo where he served as Commander of Post 43 for 16 years. He was a model train enthusiast and loved collecting Lionel Trains. Prior to declining health, he spent countless hours fishing, pontoon boating, and riding his horses. He enjoyed spending special time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was a member of First Christian Church.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at First Christian Church with Rev. H. Ray Morton and Rev. Danny Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park with full military honors. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Eloine Monaghan Reed of Tupelo; three children, John Ronald Reed and his wife, Dale, Marilyn Reed Greenhill and her husband, Colin, and Paula Reed Bingham and her husband, Jimmy, all of Tupelo; three sisters, Shirley Reed Gillentine and her husband, David, Norma Reed Jones and her husband, W. C. , and Coy Reed Williams all of Tupelo; three brothers, Billy Reed and his wife, Evon, of Okolona, Arthur Roy Reed and his wife, Joanne, of Mooreville, and Paul Reed and his wife, Shirley; nine grandchildren, Connie Greenhill Duvall and her husband, Buddy, Kimberly Greenhill Lesikar, Kevin Greenhill, Jonathan Reed and his wife, Kristi, Chris Reed, Lindsey Reed Chandler and her husband, Grant, Benjamin Bingham and his wife, Suzanne, Amanda Bingham McCarthy and her husband, Daniel, and Joey Bingham; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. .

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dorothy Reed; two brothers, Ray and Rex Reed; and one grandson, Jamie Bingham. .

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Bingham, Joey Bingham, Jonathan Reed, Chris Reed, Kevin Greenhill, Will Ruff, Adam Ruff, Daniel McCarthy, and Buddy Duvall.

Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1590 McCullough Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38804.