Richard Joseph Reed

Richard Joseph Reed

October 14, 2025

Gulfport, Mississippi - Richard Joseph Reed, born October 31, 1941, to Mayor (Ret) Robert Lee Reed, Jr., and Lenora LaRosa Reed, was the eldest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Ida Reed Gates, and Carol Lee Reed; and his brothers, Robert Lee Reed, III Sgt (Ret.), Paul Edward Reed, Sr., Lt. Col (Ret.), Jay Farley Reed, and Thomas Anthony Reed.

Richard never met a stranger and was truly the life of every gathering. He was a proud graduate of Long Beach High School, Class of 1959, and was forever a classmate.

Richard worked as an electrician for most of his career beginning with O'Neal Electric in Gulfport, Mississippi. A proud member of IBEW Local 903, he recently received his 60-year pin. Richard retired from Alcan Cable in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where he was a maintenance supervisor.

Racing was his greatest pastime. As a partner with Milton Castenado, they established C and R Racing. A devoted NASCAR enthusiast, Richard made countless trips to racetracks across the country and was also a member of the National Corvette Restorers Society.

He was a devoted husband, amazing father, a loving grandfather, brother, uncle and loyal friend to so many.

Richard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 12 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at the Long Beach City Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Allen Reed; his daughters, Rachael Reed Ladner, and Rebecca Reed (Stephen) Koennen, and bonus daughter, Sara Johnson. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Cole (Ellen) Donaldson, Chase Elsworth, Bryson Reeves, and Reed Koennen, Abigail (Taylor) Matthews, Ashlyn (Greg) Evans, Drake (Meorie) Johnson, William Johnson, and Henry Clements; as well as eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank Vincent (Sue) Reed, and George Bernard Reed.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Robin Hughes Buch, Southern Living Assistance Services and staff for all their love, support and help during his illness. Special thanks are also given to Mindy Lewis and Tammy Allen for their friendship and joy they brought to his days and how they made him smile.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, Mississippi, is honored to serve the family of Richard Joseph Reed.