Ralph Earnest Reed, age 88, entered into his eternal rest on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. He passed peacefully at home after a long illness, with his wife and children at his bedside.
He was born January 30, 1932 to the Late Charlie Reed & Birdie Rogers Reed. He was a lifetime resident of Cannon County and never had any desire to live anywhere else.
After high school, he joined the Army and spent a year in a hospital in Colorado due to illness. After returning home, he attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville. Ralph had many jobs in his early years, but had a God given talent for woodwork. He developed this talent and became a skilled craftsman. Many homes in Cannon County feature his kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, custom made furniture, and other beautiful crafted items.
Ralph was a longtime member of the Woodbury Church of Christ and his work can be seen throughout the building. He considered one of his greatest achievements to be the communion table and podium he crafted and donated to the church in memory of his son, Steve, and in honor of his children.
Ralph was a quiet, soft spoken man who loved the Lord, the church, his family, his home, and his friends.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Betty Mooneyham Reed; Daughter, Vicky Phillips; Son, Jeff Reed and his wife, Tracey; 4 grandchildren, Jarrod Phillips & Ashley of Brooklyn, NY, Jessica Casper & Kyle of Murfreesboro, and Nicholas Reed, and Blake Reed, both of Woodbury; one great grandson, Noah, who contributed much joy, excitement, and love to Ralph’s life the last few years. Also surviving is one brother, Howard Reed; Niece, Linda Reed; and Nephew, Bobby Reed of Woodbury and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ralph Stephen Reed.
Many hearts are saddened by his passing and he will be greatly missed by family, friends, and caregivers of Adoration Home Health, Avalon Hospice staff, Woodbury Health & Rehab, caregivers and friends, Shirley Davenport, Lisa Nichols, and Melinda Bailey, and his former co-worker and best friend, Butch Serfas, and wife, Linda, formerly of Woodbury and now of Elmira, NY.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Woodbury Funeral Home from 4 to 8 PM. Graveside Services will be at Riverside Gardens Cemetery Friday, May 22, 2020 at 2 PM with Bro. Herb Alsup & Bro. Charlie Bowman officiating.
Pallbearers will be Darrell Turney, James Adkins, Mark Vance, Michael Vance, Kyle Casper, Teddy Taylor, Tim Bell & David Burchett. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Byars, Stan Hollandsworth, Butch Serfas, Barry Bucey, Dr. Jeff Todd, Dr. Jeffrey Webber.
Rest in peace Ralph Reed. We will always love and miss you.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Due to COVID-19 and Governor Lee’s orders, please adhere to social distancing guidelines during the services.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net