William Alexander Reed

Was the oldest and last surviving of 7 children

Parents could not afford 7 kids so Bill and his brother Walter went to live with his grandparents.

Was valedictorian of his senior class.

Went in the Navy in 1943 and was a Postal Clerk in San Diego getting mail out to the fleet.

Married Laura Watkins, March 27th 1947.

He had 4 kids all together, Linda Reed Flanary from a previous marriage. Dannie, Norene & Robert with Laura. Norene and Dannie are still with us.

He went to night school to become an Electrical Engineer after the Navy.

Was hired by Rohr Aircraft before he could finish school as an Engineer. Retired from Rohr after 30 years of service helping develop flake away asbestos for the Mercury, Gemini & Apollo space capsules. Worked on the wiring for Skylab and the space Shuttles. After retiring from Rohr he got an offer he couldn’t refuse from General Dynamic and retired from there after 5 years.

During his time in San Diego he was a little league coach, a boy scout leader, and a life long member of the United Methodist Church.

He moved to Pea Ridge in 1987 to be closer to his family who never left the Oklahoma, Arkansas area.

He loved to fish & play golf. He was very much a family man. I always said if he was in line at the grocery store and there were 7 people in line he made friends with 6 of them before he left.

Always very generous with his time, always had time to help others.

He was the cornerstone of every family event, church event, and work environment his entire life.

His smile and positive attitude were one of a kind and will be missed by all who know him.