Jessie "Gene" Reid

Jessie “Gene” Eugene Reid

Stapleton, GA  –          Jessie “Gene” Eugene Reid, 80, loving husband of the late Beverly Ann Walden Reid, entered into his eternal rest Tuesday night, June 21, 2016 at his residence. The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday evening, June 24, 2016. A private interment will be held in the Stapleton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

One of four children born to the late Margaret Owens Reid and the late Leroy Reid, Gene was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, graduating from Stapleton High School. After graduation, he served our country by enlisting in the Navy.  Upon his return from his four-year stint in the Navy, Gene married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life and started his family. A hard worker and a good provider, he retired with 27 years of service from EZ Go/Textron. Gene liked to stay busy and was always “on the go”.  He liked being outside—golfing, fishing, gardening, playing with his dogs—as well as playing cards.  Gene was known for being an outspoken, strong-willed man who had a dry wit about him.  Because of his nature, he taught his children to be independent.  He was fiercely loyal and dependable with an acute sense of integrity. Above all else, Gene loved his family, especially his grandchildren, who were his heart.

Gene is also preceded in death by all of his siblings, Roy Reid, Walter Reid and Ruby Gunby. Survivors include his three children, Regina “Jan” Reid, Kim Willingham and Jess Reid (Casey); seven grandchildren, Jennifer Ann Josey (Lewis), Brandon Douglas May, Savannah Willingham, Chandler Willingham, Kaylee Reid, Rhett Reid and Joss Reid; two great grandchildren, Rachel Ann Josey and Tristan Connor May; and several nieces and nephews.

The family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent but in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in his honor to American Breast Cancer Relay for Life, c/o Tara Rabun, 2069 Howard Mill Road, Wrens GA 30833.