Edward Wayne Reid

1943 - 2025

Edward Wayne Reid, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Garner, N.C.
Born on Aug. 1, 1943, in Chattanooga, Tenn., Ed was the son of Clyde and Myrtle Allen Reid of the Camp Creek Community in Murphy, N.C.
Ed began his professional journey with Sears Roebuck Company, serving as a department head for the mail order division in both Atlanta, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to Brasstown, N.C., where he owned and operated several businesses including Reid's Woodworking, Reid's Rentals and Hill Gallery. Through these ventures, he combined his craftsmanship with a keen eye for design and community service.
A man of many talents and deep convictions, Ed was both artistic with words and skilled with his hands. He crafted fine cabinetry and even built a one-of-a-kind log cabin that stood as a testament to his dedication to quality and creativity. His love for language found expression in poetry; his published collection, Fires Creek Calling, reflects his reverence for God, nature, self-reflection and family. One of his poems reads:
"God is the ALL. The everlasting. The Big I.  
"Some might say where does such a one like this live if not in the sky?  
"His abode is in the hearts of man.  
"For it is there we decide to live for Him or die."
Ed's faith was central to his life. He often shared spiritual reflections through poetry and conversation alike. His devotion extended beyond personal belief into active participation with the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Donning full Revolutionary attire, Ed honored his Patriot Ancestor Robert Reed – one of Cherokee County's earliest settlers – by commemorating historic battles throughout the Southeast.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Carol Reid; daughter, Melissa Rabitsch (Jimmy) of Covington, G.; stepson, Dr. Eldon Peters (Mary) of Raleigh, N.C.; stepdaughter, Emily Peters (Richard Perez) of Raleigh; and grandchildren, Annadare and Owen Peters, and Emilio Robert Peters Perez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Myrtle Allen Reid; sister, June Reid Moore (Jack) of Peachtree Community in Murphy; and sister, Jewel Reid Nicholson (Rob) of Chanceytown Community in Turtletown, Tenn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, c/o Jared Ogden, President, 24 Cherry Knoll, Blairsville, GA 30512; or to CURE PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), 325 Hudson St. 4FL, New York, NY 10013. 
May Edward Wayne Reid's legacy live on through the lives he touched – with woodwork shaped by hand and words shaped by heart – and may his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1201 Maxwell Road, Raleigh, N.C. A luncheon will be provided.
An interment service will be held from 2-3 p.m. April 18, 2026, at Liberty Community Cemetery 193 Liberty Road, Murphy. Interment services will be provided by the SAR Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution group.