Richard Ray Reed

Richard (Rick) Ray Reed, 78, an extraordinary person who loved the LORD, and lived life with intention, purpose, and passion, went to his heavenly reward on December 10, 2025. He was born in Knoxville, TN on October 3, 1947. Rick was a resident of Rossville, TN, formerly of Southaven, MS, Lawrenceville, Georgia, Bartlett, TN, and Kingsport, TN.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Fields Reed, sisters Joyce Peterson of Woodlawn, TN, Janie Payne (Phil) of Knoxville and Karen Young of Raskin, Fl, daughter Melissa (Misty) Reed Lawson of Greenville, TN, stepson Danny Moeschle (Teresa) of Collierville, TN, six grandchildren, Kirsten Cohenour Roberts (Wesley), Boston Earl, Sarah Moeschle Ward (Micah), Hunter Moeschle, Stephen Kelley, and Logan Kelley, two great grandchildren and many dearly loved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry OFeral Reed and Mary Hickman Reed, his sisters Irma Barnett, Geraldine Shirley, Sandra Gay, Eleanor Grindstaff, Joanne Bagley, and brother Dave Dorset, as well as his former wife Uvella Cook Reed.

Rick lived his life in service to God, Family and Country.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, earning a Purple Heart. He was an active leader at church, Boy Scouts of America, Trail Life, several civic organizations, and led Grief Share at Getwell Church in Southaven, MS.

He was a mentor and servant leader wherever he worked. After attending the University of Maryland and earning the level of Continuous Improvement Master, and Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma Management, he shared his knowledge of quality management and organizational leadership wherever he worked. Prior to his role as Continuous Improvement Manager at GXO Logistics, he held many positions of leadership and training at WIKA, Siegel Roberts, Sharp, and owned LeedWithReed.

Most of all Rick enjoyed time with family and friends, loved to travel, read, work with his hands and just enjoy each day. He was always willing to help however needed and was a positive inspiration to everyone who knew him.

There will be a private family service at Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with interment at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN at a later date.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, New Orleans, LA, First Baptist Church Macon (Williston, TN), Evergreen Free Will Baptist Church, Erwin, TN, or a charity of your choice.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants” Psalm 116:15