David Reid

David Trester Reid Jr., passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital, Temple, TX on August 22nd, 2012 at 97 years of age. David was born in Campbell, Alabama on May 15, 1915 to the late David and Hessie Reid. He grew up in Opine, Alabama. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth Taylor Reid, his sisters, Mary Fuqua, Grace Oliver and niece Constance Fuqua. In 1961, David retired from the Army after serving honorably for 25 years and returned to Houston, TX where he worked for another 17 years for the Federal Reserve Bank. Survivors include his nieces and their husbands, Carol and Buddy Jacks, Pam and Rex Byrd and nephews and their wives Tom Fuqua, Larry and Debbie Oliver and Kerry and Mary Oliver. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1700 South Washington Ave., Livingston, TX 77351.
David helped his father as a farmer in Opine, Alabama and decided one day to jump on a freight train with a $1.37 in his pocket along with his friend Coleman in search of a better life and steady employment which was hard to find at that time. Not being able to find work, they both ended up in Houston where they decided to enlist in the US Armed Forces. David enlisted in the Army where he served as a Medic in the 48th Medical Battalion. He served in the East Indies, Southern Philippines, New Guinea, Luzon, France, Japan, Korea, and Australia. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in support of military operations against the enemy at Broome, Western Australia, on March 3, 1942. When an air raid caused serious damage and casualties, Staff Sergeant Reid worked tirelessly in the care and evacuation of twenty Dutch nationals who were severely wounded. Throughout the strafing attack, with no regard for his personal safety, he tended the casualties and aided in the supervision of the removal of the evacuees to a plane. By his initiative, loyalty, and devotion to duty, he was instrumental in the saving of many lives. For his actions during the war, he was also awarded a Battlefield Commission. He has touched many lives with his love and gentle spirit. He will be forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed.