William Chester Reed

William Chester 84, of Reed Hill Road, Campbell, NY, died September 22, 2006 at home surrounded by his family. He goes to join Laura, his wife of 63 years, who predeceased him in May of this year. We know that they are both at peace. The world lost a very special man the day Bill died. Bill didn't complete high school but was an incredibly wise man. He was kind, compassionate and tolerant. He was a wonderful storyteller, and he knew every joke ever told! Bill retired from Corning Glass Works in 1984, having begun work there in 1941. He also farmed until his health forced him to give up his cattle. Bill was born February 20, 1922 to the late Rufus Reed and Emma Knowles Reed in the family farm house in the town of Thurston. He lived almost his entire life in this house, completing the circle of life about 20 feet from where he was born. He is survived by his children, Joan C. (Martin) Blank of Bath, Ronald W. (Kay) Reed of Spencerport, NY, and Wyland W. Reed of Painted Post. He was predeceased by his son, Rexford D. Reed. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Heidi (Mike Southard) Reed and son, Aaron Southard; Barry Reed; Daphne (Josh) Gauss and son, Nathan King, all of Campbell; Heather (Jamie) Quick and daughters, Destinie, Kameo, and Paris of Bath; Holly (Theron) Seeley of Savona; Tricia (Jeff) Kenney and son, Jeremy of GA; Tammy (Caleb) Womack and son, Gabriel of TN; Tracy Reed of TN; Cassey Dickey of Spencerport, NY; Amy (Richard) Lightner and daughter, Kira of AZ; Rexanne (Dan) Jankowski and daughter, Danielle of Elkland, PA; Susan (Bill) Warrick and daughter, Kendra and son, Hunter of Corning. He was predeceased by great-grandson, Cody Southard. Bill is survived by sisters, Bunny Mayers and Edith Morris; and brother, Marshall. He was predeceased by brothers, Bunk, Pete and Junior; and sisters, Leda, Doris, Anna, Jo, Suzie, and Julia. He is also survived by many very special nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Corning. Following calling hours, there will be a memorial service at 6 p.m. at the Campbell United Methodist Church on Main Street in Campbell with a fellowship dinner following the service. The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be made to the Campbell United Methodist Church, Campbell, NY; the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, 333 Westmoreland Dr., Rochester, NY 14620; or a charity of one's choice.