Joel E. Reed

Joel (Joe) Reed was welcomed to this world by his two loving parents, Carlean and Robert Reed in Lucedale, Mississippi. He was the 10th child of 13 children. When he was a toddler, the family relocated to Mobile Alabama.
Joe attended Williamson High School where he made a name for himself as an exceptional athlete. He played center for the Williamson Lions Football Team. Upon graduation, he was awarded a 4-year football scholarship to Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. He played wide receiver during his time as a Bulldog. While at Alabama A&M, he had many achievements on and off the field, but what he valued most during his time there were the lifelong friendships he made. After playing for A&M, Joe was invited to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After his exciting stint in the NFL, Joe graduated from Chicago State University.
The love of his life was his cherished wife Beverly, who he affectionately called Bev. They were married in 1971, but considered a couple since 1965 – that, my friend, is indeed a long time. After living in Joliet, Illinois, the happy couple relocated back to where it all began – Mobile, Alabama. Five blissful years later, Joe and Bev welcomed the apple of their eye, their son, Joel (Jay) Anton Reed. Joe was a doting father that was proud of the man his son became.
Joe was an educator and coach for Mobile County School System for over 30 years. At Citronelle High School, he taught industrial arts. He was also the head varsity basketball coach, assistant football coach, and the boys track coach. He fulfilled these roles with passion because his students were an important part of his life. After his many years at Citronelle, he began teaching and coaching children with special needs at Augusta Evans School. He found great joy during his tenure there. After three decades of dedicated service as an educator with MCPSS, he retired. However, retirement didn't stop him from working.
For those who knew him, know that Joe dedicated himself to helping others via his friendships, mentorships, and kindness. Whether young or old, he was a friend to all. He was a loving husband, dedicated father, devoted brother, loyal friend, dependable co-worker, dutiful neighbor, and the very best G-dad ever; just ask Jayla and Kaylen.
Joe was a dedicated member of the esteemed Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), and a Counselor on the Drug Education Council (DEC).
One of Joe's favorite things to do was hitch the boat to the truck and go fussing – sorry, fishing -- with his brothers. His dream spot was on his Zero Turn Lawn Mower cutting grass with Jay. Joe was a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Reverend Robert F. Reed, Sr., mother, Carlean Reed; and siblings Ceolla Harmon, Margie Goodwin, Alla Banks-Dale, Bobbie Banks, Robert Reed, Frank Reed, and Charles Reed.
Joe will forever be remembered and carried in the hearts of his beloved wife of over 50 years Beverly Reed, son, Joel (Tamika) Reed, Mobile, Alabama, Jayla and Kaylen Reed, Mobile Alabama; brothers, William Reed (Nadine) Saraland Alabama; Thomas (Aundrea) Reed, Mobile, Alabama; sisters, Carlean (Alfred) Stallworth, Jeffersonville, Indiana; Beatrice Burnett, Mobile Alabama; and Venessia Tanksley, Mobile, Alabama, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Beverly and Jay would like to thank all the family, friends, frat brothers, neighbors, co-workers across the county and city, DEC, Home Depot, Lowes, Waffle House. They would like to extend a very special thank you to Covenant Care for the compassionate care they provided during this very difficult time.
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