Ralph Robert Reed M.D.

Dr. Ralph Robert Reed died at the Memphis Jewish Home on December 23, 2015. Dr. Reed was born March 17, 1926 in New Orleans, Louisiana to John Thomas Reed and Sophie Plume Reed. Dr. Reed attended Tulane University and the Tulane University School of Medicine earning his Medical Degree in 1948. Ralph met the love of his life, Johanna "Jo" Hansen Reed, while he was an intern at the VA Hospital in New Orleans. Ralph and Jo were married for 62 years before she preceded him in death in 2012 and they resided in Memphis for 60 years. Dr. Reed served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1955 with a tour in South Korea. After being discharged from the army, Dr. Reed came to Memphis to complete his residency in Internal Medicine at the old Kennedy VA Hospital on Getwell Road. After completing his residency, Dr. Reed continued as a dedicated staff physician at the Memphis VA Hospital for over 35 years and retired from the Spinal Cord Injury Service. Ralph was a consummate collector of books, classical music, movies, and fine wines. He enjoyed gardening when he was more active and a highlight of his day was watching the birds enjoy the feeders in his yard. Laura Freeman, grand-daughter-in-law, described him as intelligent, witty, appreciative, a good storyteller, and never missed an opportunity to say how proud he was of his son, Matthew. Ralph is survived by his son, Matthew Robert Reed (Donna) of Memphis and two step grandchildren, Amanda Freeman of Brooklyn and Matthew Freeman (Laura) with their two daughters and son of Memphis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memphis Food Bank, www.midsouthfoodbank.org, or the Memphis Humane Society, www.memphishumane.org. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-4 on Saturday, January 23 at the Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar.