Lyndon Ray "Pinkey" Reed

Lyndon Ray "Pinkey" Reed, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 76, in UT Health Tyler, Texas. He was born on February 3, 1949, in Pampa, Texas. Pinkey grew up embodying the spirit of his small-town roots, which shaped his generous and loyal character.
Pinkey was a proud graduate of Rivercrest High School before going on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science from East Texas State University. This strong educational background paved the way for a diverse and impactful career. He served as a dispatcher for the Greenville Police Department, a line supervisor at Texas Instruments, and a math teacher at Rivercrest High School. His journey continued as a supervisor at Lone Star Steel, a mainframe computer operator at Guaranty Bank, and eventually as vice president of Ray's Pipe and Supply, before concluding his professional path as a safety and environmental technician at Exxon Mobil.
A family man at heart, Pinkey is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Rita Beth, and his three daughters Kristi Thibodeaux (Blaine), Jackie Meche (Beau), and Mitzi Bertrand (Rush). He cherished his role as PawPaw to Beau Michael Meche (Debi), Bailey Ray Meche, Audrey Meche, Noah Meche, Wesley Thibodeaux (Gracie), Kaytlee Thibodeaux, Bella Thibodeaux, and Nathan Thibodeaux. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Gail Reed; brother-in-law, Jim Branch (Barbara); nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as many close life-long friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyndon "Sonny" and Melba Reed, brother Dennis Michael "Mike" Reed, and his beloved grandparents, Lorenzo and Leona Reed, and Maurice and Ola Spruell.
Pinkey's unconditional love for his family and friends showed in the generosity of his time and resources. His good moral character resonated through all aspects of his life. He was not just generous and loyal but also known for his quick wit and no nonsense approach to life. He loved to work on a good project and had the skills to make just about anything. Over the years he has made washer boards that we've all enjoyed at gatherings, welding projects like propane griddles and trailers, repurposing Power Wheels jeeps into pink Barbie jeeps, even designing pretty little pink bunk beds for American Girl dolls, just to name a few. He enjoyed making his famous peanut brittle every Christmas, hitting the golf course, casting a line while fishing, cooking up delicious meals, and cheering for the Texas Rangers. Not to forget, his fondness for collecting knives, guns, and baseball caps. He was also known for his affinity for anything in the color red.
Pinkey's honesty and strong convictions were admired by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of family and friends who were fortunate enough to love and be loved by him. In these moments of reflection, we celebrate a life well-lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
In honor of Pinkey's memory, let us come together to share our favorite stories, laugh, and appreciate the richness he brought to our lives.
Graveside service will be held August 2 at 10am at the Bogata Cemetery Pavilion in Bogata, Texas. Service will be followed by a gathering of friends and family at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Main Street.