Obituary
On July 31, 1934, Al Reed made his grand entrance on this earthly stage. On September 29, 2017, Big Al took his final bow. Al Reed had many fascinating careers such as a racecar driver in the 50’s, his service to his country as a submarine sailor during the Korean War, his award winning contributions to the 1960’s and early 1970’s space program to include the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab missions, and his successful civil service career at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. However, the job he will best be remembered for, the one where his loss will be most keenly and deeply felt, is the one of husband to Betty Reed –a strong and gorgeous mother and wife as well as his career of father to his strong and attractive children, Kim Fusher, Kelly Hughes, Katie Lynn Riedesel, and Don Reed in addition to his role of grandfather (Happy/Pappy), to his beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren Now Al, It’s time for us to say, “Goodbye,”. I know you’re resting in the arms of Jesus at present because you had such a long, hard battle at the end but soon He’s going to say, “Come on, Big Al, I’ve got a classic car for you to check out. I just can’t get her to run. Would you mind taking a look for me?” We love you–See you again later. Have fun dragging for titles in those Heavenly cars.
Just thinking about Pappy- and you Grammy... All those fun times at Milton with the garden, the coffee, & the good ol times.
I kind of always knew such carefree times weren't always going to last but glad to have made those memories that will last me forever..
No matter how far, distant, or preoccupied life will be, one thing I know is my mind will always wonder to the beautiful moments I had with you guys when I was younger.
Here is to more lovely memories going forward but those at the house in Milton and quite a few others I will always have a special place for in my heart.
Daddy is still watching over us, I believe:-)
My husband was my best friend. I miss him terribly, but know that he is where God wants him to be--in Heaven with Him. Life is brief..I realize that now more then ever. We need to treasure our moments here on Earth, but at the same time realize that our main focus should be more on where we will spend eternity. "Lay up treasures for yourselves in Heaven". I love you and will see you soon, Baby.
Celebrating a golden anniversary to remember! This picture perfect pair tied the knot 59 years ago and followed their simple vow exchange with the Hawaiian Wedding Song. Happy provided many joy-filled years for all of us and he will continue to do so in our fondest memories, just like this one. A treasured, multi-talented, family member and friend, we love you so much Happy!
Daddy, I miss you SO much. I can't wait to see you again at our real Home and oh the joy I will have to see you all well and so deliriously happy. Thank you so very much for all the care, love and laughs you gave me here on earth and I look forward to the most joyful reunion one day with you my Daddy, my Hero..You are one of a kind and you lit up every room you entered here on earth.. God really must love me to give me such an honorable man to be my father. I love you so much!!!! You survey Heaven so you can show us around when we catch up with you real soon ok. Love you Daddy!!
Your Little Girl
My family and I moved to Pensacola, Florida when I was thirteen years of age. It was at that time I became familiar with the Reed family through my friendship with Al’s son Don. This was to become a life-long friendship; one that fortunately came with a relationship to the rest of the family. From school trips, to over-night movie marathons, to years of fish frys and a lifetime of stories, Al Reed gave wonderful memories to more lives than he could have ever known.
This was a man who lived his life and faith in front of everyone. And what a life it was. Al Reed demonstrated a passion for life in racing cars, serving his country, and making a difference in our space program at NASA. By the time I came to know the Reed’s, much of this was past experience. However, I had the privilege of hearing about it all in applicable life lessons.
No matter how many teenage boys piled into the Reed home or into the family van (with the bomber control dashboard) Don’s dad Al never complained. In fact he most always joined in with the fun. Al Reed taught me that is was ok to be an adult and still be fun-loving, a bit eccentric, eclectic in things you find enjoyable, adventurous and inventive even when others didn’t get it, and all the while be a good dad and a strong believer. For these lessons I am grateful and joyfully pass them on to my own children.
Al Reed was the type of man who once you met him, you met him for life. Al Reed was absolutely an influential man, and the legacy he has left in his family and all that knew him are living proof. Dawn and I bless the entire Reed family in this time of grief. We also thank you for sharing your lives, your loving husband, and your wonderful daddy with us.
Scott & Dawn Brown
My children and my Pappy
My pappy on a visit not to long ago :)
Daddy tweaking the beard of some ancient ruler's statue in the British Museum. He loved nothing better than teasing people or playing some kind of prank, all the way from a fellow co-worker right up to a king.