John Calvin Reed, Sr. departed this life on September 18, 2021, in Marion, South Carolina, after a brief illness. He was born to the late Orrie and Lila Reed on January 26, 1934 in Marion County. After being educated in the public schools of Marion County, John joined the United States Air Force in 1950. He served faithfully in the military for 22 years and retired in 1972. After his retirement from the military, John worked various jobs throughout the community until his health declined.
He was definitely a "people person," and enjoyed conversating with others and meeting new people. When he wasn't working, John enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, attending church, and his favorite-reading the Bible. If you knew John, you know that his Bible was always nearby and his love for God was unmatched.
John accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until his health declined. John was a true believer in Christ and loved his church family dearly.
John was united in holy matrimony to the late Mary L. Reed in 1960. To this union, seven children were born, two of which preceded him in death (Michael and Mark Reed). John and Mary were married for 30 years before deciding to end their marriage. The two remained friends until Mary's untimely passing in 1998. John later married Ernestine Wilson in 1991. John and Ernestine were married for 22 years before her death in 2013. John is survived by seven children: Lorenza (Quiliteen) Reed of Marion, South Carolina, Lila Reed of Florence, SC, John Calvin Reed, Jr. (Valerie) of Mullins, SC, Vanessa (Lyndon) Reed of Mullins, SC, Cheryl Reed of the home, and Nicole Buie of Lexington, SC; a special daughter, Shawn Fitzgerald of Pleasantville, NJ; two siblings Mary (James) Graham of Chicago, IL and Ruth (James) Owens of Raleigh, NC; ten grandchildren: Latasha, Lakeem, Calvin, Desmond, Marquinton, Reginald (Ashley), Rodrick (Raven), Tanika, Mylekia, Jada, Lorenza Jr., and Jameak (Jessica); seventeen great-granchildren Ky'shawn, Jaylin, My'Kala, Ja'shyla, Dominic, Cameron, Victor, Starlynn, S'Niya, Brooklyn, Justice, Jameal Jr., Alexis, Willie, Jayden, Aziere, and Josiah; a special companion who preceded him shortly in death, Georgia Buie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
We will truly miss John's presence in our lives physically, but we know that he will always live in our hearts and memories. He is taking his well-deserved rest, and has made it to his eternal home.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John Calvin Reed, please visit our floral store.