David George Reid

David George Reid was born on April 29, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, and went home to be with the Lord on March 15, 2025.

Also known as David Reid, Mr. DGR, Pop Reid, Pops, Unc, Uncle Dave, and, according to Poke (Darla), the Best Dad Ever, David was a man of many names and even more love.

He was a proud graduate of Columbus North High School, Class of 1959, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. On September 27, 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably until his discharge on June 24, 1964. He was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Ellsworth, South Dakota.

On July 22, 1961, David married the love of his life, Donna Jean Boggs. Together, they welcomed a beautiful daughter on October 17, 1962, and later an amazing son-in-law, Anthony Harris, on May 26, 1990.

David began his career at Timken Roller Bearing Company and Columbus Coated Fabrics. He retired in 2004 as the first African American Chief Rail Inspector for the State of Ohio, a milestone that made his family and community proud.

In 1986, he received a special recognition award from Governor Bob Taft for heroically saving a citizen from a burning vehicle in Fayette County.

He mentored many young men in the Linden area and was known for his love of the barbecue grill and his joy in feeding everyone who came by. He also coached two championship basketball teams at St. Augustine Catholic School and was a proud member of the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Association.

David became a faithful member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 2009, under the leadership of Pastor Lance E. Humphrey, where he continued to live out his faith and serve the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jackson Collier Reid and Zilla Hampton Reid; sisters Sandra Noble and Louise Garrett; mother-in-law’s Addie B. Mathews and Ollie M. Boggs; father-in-law James H. Boggs; sister-in-law Marguerite Gunnell; and brothers-in-law Authurs S. Gunnell, James H. Gunnell, William T. Gunnell, Vernon Thomas, and Fred Garrett.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 63 years, Donna Reid; daughter, Darla (Anthony) Harris; sister, Lois Thomas; sisters-in-law, Delores (Tommy) Swan and Willogean Bell; brother-in-law Lorenzo Mathews; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

David George Reid was a man of honor, heart, and humility. His legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know him.