William Frederick Reed Sr.

This is a story of a man in full, born William Frederick Reed on September 3rd, 1934 in North Korea to Adam Roy Reed and Geraldine Hindman Reed of the Indiana world-traveling mining clan. The Reeds left Korea, landed in Fiji and right before Pearl Harbor headed back to the States. Shortly after the war, the Reed's moved to the Philippines where Bill flourished through middle school.

Bill was shipped back state side where he attended Brown University playing basketball there as well. He left after two years, traveled the US working odd jobs before joining the Army. His stint in the Army took him to Fort Meade, MD. While in the Army Bill met his beautiful, beloved wife to be Margaret Smythe Candler. After his discharge, Bill and Margaret moved to her hometown in Lynchburg, VA, and married soon after.

Bill graduated from Lynchburg College and began his career in journalism. Bill wrote for the Roanoke Times, The Lynchburg News, and Daily Advance covering the regional sports beat. Shortly after, the Reed's moved to Virginia Beach and Bill began writing for The Virginian Pilot and Ledger Star covering the courthouse and RAC until his retirement after 36 years.

During these 36 years, Bill dabbled as a cartoonist, novelist, artist, race runner, and an avid gym rat. Bill could be found three days a week at iNLeT Fitness getting his workout on. He was also a voracious reader of anything and everything history. On any given Sunday Bill would be cussing his Redskins to victory or more than most times a crushing defeat.

Bill and Margaret have two children. Margaret Reed Banta, "Margen" and William Frederick Reed, Jr, "Rick." Margen, married to Rick Banta, lives in Virginia Beach and they have three children. Preston (Black Diamond, WA), Katherine and Jordan (both in Raleigh, NC). Rick, married to Laurie DiPace Reed (East Hampton, NY), lives in Virginia Beach as well. They also have three children. Jett, Summer, and Jacqueline, all living in Virginia Beach.

Bill, also known as PopPop to his beloved grandkids, was a doting, loving grandad. Known to be a boisterous supporter of all of their sporting events Pop Pop would let it be known if he was in disagreement with a referee's call.

Bill had many aliases to his family and friends. Pops, Dad, Big Bad, Sweet William, The Duke and "Beeeeeell" to Margaret (Southern lady with a southern drawl).

Bill was a kind, quiet, sincere, loving, and passionate father and husband. He was devotedly married to his "Mags" for 63 years. Their life together was an epitome of a true love story. He will be greatly missed by his entire family and his crew of friends.

Bill left us quietly and calmly in the arms of his family on February 14th at the age of 88.

A visitation will be held at HD Oliver on Laskin Rd on Monday, February 20th from 2-4 PM, followed by a celebration of life at The Marlin Club/Chick's Oyster Bar from 5-7 PM. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.