MECHANICSVILLE—Retired CMSgt John E. Reed of Mechanicsville died peacefully in his sleep May 18, 2023. He was 89 years young.
He was preceded in death by wife, Sherry; and his sisters, Elaine Abernathy and Carolyn Horner.
He is survived by his daughter, LaDonna Reed Leshuk; sons, John H. Reed and Charles E. Reed; six grandchildren, Christina, Ashley, Valerie, John Lewis, Marsha and Charles Jr. (CJ); and 12 great-grandchildren, Katie, Caden, Andrew, Grace, Katelyn, Parker, JoAnn, Hannah, Sarah, Noah, Charles III and Lukas.
John served a combined 24 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. After his military retirement, he taught auto mechanics at the Northern Neck Technical Center in Warsaw for nearly 20 years.
John loved fishing. His favorite spots were Nags Head and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Annual trips to the Outer Banks became a ritual he enjoyed with family and friends.
John was an avid philatelist for most of his adult life and had a very large stamp collection.
After his military retirement, he began a nearly 30-year quest researching his genealogy, took many trips around the country meeting newly found family members. His genealogy research was one of his greatest passions. There were many stories he would tell about past family members and events. His grandson, John Lewis Reed, is now the keeper of the research.
The viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, at Washington Memorial Park in Sandston.
Online condolences may be made at www.nelsenrichmond.com.
