Rev. Eugene Reed Jr.

Rev. Eugene Reed Jr. went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the age of 86.

Eugene, the son of Eugene Reed, Sr. and Viola Reed, was born on April 15, 1934 in the small town of Pflugervile, Texas. Affectionately known as “Nuna,” Eugene was the third of four siblings: Estelle Reed Everett (“Stella”), Henry Reed (“Bubba”), and Sylvester Reed (“Tuda”).

In 1954, Eugene enlisted into the United States Navy. This was the first of many noteworthy accomplishments in his life. He proudly served on the USS Frank E. Evans, USS General J. C. Breckinridge, USS Hoel, and the USS Dennis J. Buckley carriers during times of conflict.

He spoke often and fondly of his time as a commissary man (CS) and steward (SD) in the service. Eugene earned the Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

After retiring from the Navy in 1975, he completed his High School diploma and earned an Associates Degree in Sociology. He then began his second career in Civil Service at the Aviation Depot Naval Air Station on North Island in California, retiring in 1998.

Servanthood was a theme throughout Eugene’s life. He was a devout Christian with unbreakable faith. He loved God, his family, his country, and his community. He was a devoted member of the Mt. Erie Missionary Baptist Church in San Diego, California where Rev. Walter G. Wells is pastor. He served tirelessly in the Brotherhood ministry, as a church Deacon, and as a Sunday School teacher.

And, in 1988, he answered the call of the Father and became a Minister of the Gospel. He took great delight and joy in assisting the pastor and preparing the pulpit for worship; both at Mt. Erie and later in his life at the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, FL under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C. P. Epps. Eugene never took for granted the opportunity to stand behind God’s “sacred desk,” to preach the word of the Lord, with a consecrated heart, following in the footsteps of Jesus, leading all men to Christ.

Eugene also loved to sing and he shared his powerful gift with many people. One of his favorite songs was “Guide Me O Though Great Jehovah,” and the words of this hymn served as a template for how he lived his life. “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand.”

In addition to his work in the church, Eugene humbly served his community preaching to men and women at Rescue Missions and homeless shelters, and visiting the sick and shut in. This brought him great happiness and inspired others around him to give back as well.

Eugene was preceded in death by his father Eugene Reed Sr. (deceased 1971), his mother Viola Carrington Gilstrap (deceased May 7, 1981), his only sister Estelle “Stella” Reed Everett (deceased July 18, 2003), and his eldest brother Henry Reed (deceased July 2020).

Eugene is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lou Ouida Reed, of 41 wonderful years. The sincerity of their love was felt by all those who knew them.

He is also survived by his brother Sylvester Reed, his beloved children Kerry Reed, Kimberly Reed Lewin, Pamela Reed, Betty Stewart, Jeannie Jackson, Solon League, Jr., Sonia League, his grandchildren Kerry Reed Jr., Kimberly Reed, Sikia Sherrell, Soyini, Erika Jones, Erik, Maurice, Brandy, Solon II, Shakina, Sonia Killabrew, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Rev. Eugene Reed Jr. lived a long and fulfilled life, and he will truly be missed. But the legacy of his love, servanthood, witty sense of humor, and compassion for his fellow man will live on forever in our memories.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Eugene on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.