Fredric Reed

REED
Former Federal Reserve VP, WWII Hero Succumbs

Fredric Wilson Reed was born in San Antonio, TX. on November 8th, 1913 and left with the angels from his home in Spring Branch, TX. on April 5th, 2010 after a brief illness. A warm and wonderful man, Fred was admired by all who knew him. With his sharp wit and gracious demeanor friends often described him as a "classy gentleman ." An avid reader, he was a brilliant man, always eager to discuss the latest book he had read or tell you stories of his exploits in the war. He served his country proudly as a Captain and was the Chief Controller of the Tactical Air Command in WWII. He fought in the European theatre with the Army Air Corps and received both a Bronze and Silver Star for valor. He was credited with saving countless lives by his destruction of numerous enemy tanks, artillery and supplies. He not only witnessed but participated in the D-Day invasion. Mr. Reed was a Brackenridge High School graduate prior to beginning a career in the banking industry when he joined The Federal Reserve in 1933. It was during these early years that the dashingly handsome young banker met and married Miss Carolyn Mae Cook on August 15th, 1937, a marriage which was to produce his beloved daughter Vicki. He soon excelled at banking and was transferred to The Federal Reserve in Dallas as an officer. He studied at the American Institute of Banking, The American Management Assoc., A & M and Rutgers Graduate School of Banking. Accepting a position held by only 22 others, he served as the vice president of The Federal Reserve at El Paso, TX and retired in 1978. Never one to slow down, Fred was also a Rotarian and a Mason. He served as an instructor for the A.I.B., worked with the Small Business Association as an advisor and was included in Who's Who In America. Following the death of his first wife, Fred remarried in 1994. Marilyn Myers Wallace became the light of his life and the two spent their honeymoon in Europe as befitting Fred's love of travel. It was the beginning of many vacation trips together among which were Las Vegas, a favorite of Fred's. The couple remained devoted to each other for 17 years. In his later years they were often accompanied on long trips by his granddaughter Carolyn. Fred would say as she drove that he was the navigator. An accomplished carpenter, he always loved to get out his saw and at 90 was sawing off branches in his block so the school bus could get around the corner. Once while complimenting his grandson on a project he had just completed. Noel responded, "I learned it all from you ." Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Elsbeth Reed; sisters Margaret Hunter and Charlotte Reed; first wife Carolyn Mae Cook and his faithful little companion, a dog named Fergie. Survivors include his beloved wife Marilyn Reed of Spring Branch, TX; daughter Vicki Harrison of Spring Branch; grandson Noel Rice and his wife Holly of San Antonio, TX; granddaughter Carolyn Schmitt and her partner, Charles Romero, of New Braunfels; and great-grandchildren David Rice, Chelsea Rice and Weston Schmitt. The family would like to extend an invitation to friends and well wishers to a memorial service which will be held on Saturday, April 24th, at 2.p.m. The service will take place in Blanco, TX at The Blanco United Methodist Church. Officiating will be pastor Ken Green and Chaplain Janet Hunter of Vista Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to SNIPSA.org, 210-576-3497, a non-profit animal rescue organization founded by veterinarians; Hospice Vista Care, www.vistacare.co; American Heart Association; or The Blanco United Methodist Church scholarship fund, 61Pecan St, Blanco TX 78606. Mrs. Reed wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to the many friends at the Sundance Inn Health Center, where Fred was so dearly cared for during his last months, and the Vista Care hospice for the care they provided during this very difficult time and to all the friends who have surrounded her with loving support.