Reed McKenzie Williams

Reed McKenzie Williams was born on April 20, 1996, in Dallas, TX and departed this life way too soon on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Reed grew up in Frisco, TX where he attended Shawnee Trail Elementary School, Wester and Roach Middle Schools, and Heritage High School. In high school, Reed's love of sports and theatre led him to play football and to participate in advanced theater productions.

Upon graduating from Heritage, Reed attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Media Production. As part of his degree program, he participated in several theatre productions. He also became a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Reed's love of theatre began at an early age when he began to work in print, media, and entertainment. His first job as a print model at the age of three years old led to continued work in print, then into commercials, voiceover, television, and short and feature length films. His early acting skills were developed and honed locally with the support of the Kim Dawson Agency and his acting coach, Cathryn Sullivan. He worked with Nickelodeon and pursued opportunities with the Disney Channel. Reed's notable work includes hosting twenty-six episodes of EA Sports Game Time, a sports series targeting youth. As host, he had the opportunity to meet and interview many sports and entertainment celebrities; a highlight of this role was the opportunity to be a youth reporter at two Super Bowls. Reed had recurring roles on ABC's The Deep End and TNT's The Last Ship.

Upon graduating from Pepperdine, Reed remained in Los Angeles to continue to pursue his love of acting. In addition to his acting roles, he took advantage of other opportunities. He leveraged his love of and special ability to connect with kids as a Behavioral Therapist, working with special needs kids at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARE). In addition to being a private acting coach to youth, he worked as youth acting coach at the Gary Spatz Film and Acting Conservatory. Most recently, Reed leaned on his degree in Media Production as a Junior Account Manager with an LA-based lighting firm focused on providing lighting, video, design solutions, and technical management for major events.

Reed embodied love. Anyone who met him was touched by his positive spirit, sense of humor and playful demeanor, and big heart. He always left an indelible impression on everyone he met. When interacting with Reed, everyone got his undivided attention and focus; he had a way of making everyone better and happier. Reed was also very spiritual, and his faith was an important part of who he was and who he hoped to be.

Reed leaves to mourn his dedicated and beloved parents, Fabian and Lillian Diane Reed-Williams; three sisters whom he adored, Taylor Huddleston (Riker), Kennedy Ryan Williams, and Campbell Williams; one nephew, Pierce Huddleston, along with his devoted and much-loved partner, Liz Roman, and his cat, Stella. He also leaves one uncle, Willie Reed (Dorothy) and four aunts, Gesna Williams Griffin (Kevin), Lacey Williams Ridgeway (Mizell), Phyllis Reed Bettis (Perry), and Sharlene Reed Evans (Adrian), along with a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The loss of Reed will be forever felt by so many whose lives he touched; he will be dearly missed.