George "Bud" Reed

George B. (Bud) Reed passed on from this life to the next on April 30, 2024, in Leesburg, Virginia. The youngest child and only son of George A. Reed and Shirley Berry Reed, Bud was born May 16, 1940 — the beloved baby brother of sisters Marian and Betty.

Graduating from Oregon State University, and shortly before marrying Sandra L. Whitesides in 1962, Bud joined the U.S. Air Force, training as a pilot and serving in Vietnam and in posts across the United States in his seven years of military service. Nearing the end of his active-duty service, Bud and Sandie traveled the country by plane, car, and RV, looking for a place to settle and raise their daughter, Shannon. Settling in Browntown, Virginia, in 1976, another chapter began in Bud’s life when he and Sandie established Gooney Creek Tree Farm. While home from his airline trips, Bud found great satisfaction in working on their Christmas tree farm, shaping the trees, restoring the barn, and welcoming their Christmas tree customers in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, ensuring a memorable holiday season for many local families. During these happy years in Browntown, Bud continued his career as a commercial airline pilot and flew for National Airlines, Pan American Airways, and United Airlines for the next 20 plus years.

After his retirement from United Airlines as a pilot, Bud worked with others in the industry to change the “Age 60” rule that required pilots to retire on reaching their 60th birthday and was successful in that effort. A Traveler’s Aid volunteer for 15 years at Dulles Airport every Friday morning from 7am to 11am, Bud enjoyed helping travelers and also loved spending time with other volunteers (on or off-duty) who had an aviation interest or background.

Living in Reston, Virginia, Bud continued to make memories and effect change by serving as president of his HOA and just by being an all-around good neighbor. To get to know Bud was a pleasure, and acquaintances quickly became lifelong friends. He took great pride in being a member of the Valley, Nebraska, High School graduating class of 1957, and those friends from his “Valley Gang” remained dear to him to the end of his life.

Bud was a world traveler; he enjoyed life, his friends, and family. His last years were spent in Leesburg, Virginia. He leaves behind his wife, Sandie; daughter, Shannon; nieces; nephews; and many, many good friends. Bud was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.