Mr. William Henry Reed

William Henry Reed, 93, passed peacefully in his Whitehaven home on July 22, 2020. He was a lifelong Memphian born February 28, 1927, to the late James and Theodora Reed, and the eldest of their three children. He married Leola Glover Reed on July 10,1949 and she preceded him in death on September 3, 1997.

William was educated at Geeter High School where he saw firsthand the educational experiences denied to him as a young Black male as compared to his White counterparts at Whitehaven High School. He went on to serve in the United States Army where he was stationed in France and served throughout Europe during World War II. Upon returning home from the war, he was met with virulent segregation and racism as he was not able to eat at certain places or even take his children to a nice park.

In the face of injustice, William resolved to make the country he risked his life for more equitable for all people. He spent the rest of his life blazing a trail for his family, his community, and all the citizens of Memphis. During the 1950s, he was instrumental in organizing the Whitehaven Civic Club (and served as its spokesperson), as well as the Whitehaven Junior Civic Club. These were member organizations of the Bluff City & Shelby County Council of Civic Clubs that fought for civil advancements for all people. He and other members of the Civic Club participated in sit-ins at segregated establishments, and boycotted Memphis' The Commercial Appeal newspaper until it agreed to address Black people as Mr. and Mrs. in its pages. Remembering the injustice of his own high school experience, William led the Civic Club in challenging the Shelby County Department of Education on segregated schools through years of protesting. In the end, William and Leola Reed's children integrated Whitehaven High School. Their eldest son, William Bernard was the first Black graduate in 1967, followed by his younger siblings Alwyn and Edwin.

William retired from International Harvester after 32 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Mt. Joyner Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee, deacon, and Sunday school and Bible study teacher. He was a mentor and inspiration to scores of people under his wing, such as Shelby County Mayor, Lee Harris, Esq.; University of Tennessee at Martin Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Mark McCloud; and many more who continued to seek his counsel throughout their careers.

Above all, William's faith in God was the driving force behind all he did. William enjoyed encouraging all he met and imparting wisdom on to those near and far. His endless array of wise sayings will continue to touch all that knew him for years to come. William was a lifelong learner and entrepreneur. After retirement, he started a real estate business, Reed & Reed Properties, and continued to trade stocks in his 90s. A true Renaissance man, William had a particular penchant for the opera and was a faithful patron of the Memphis Opera for many years. He could often be found enjoying classical music as the music brought much peace and joy to his soul. He loved to travel and explore all God's earth had to offer - from the Grand Canyon to the pyramids in Egypt. William remained young at heart and grateful for every moment until he breathed his last.

William was a hero to many and will continue to be. He is survived by his children William B. Reed (wife, Carolyn), Edwin Reed (wife, Mary), and Alwyn Craig; brother Jimmy Reed, and sisters-in-law Virginia Glover, Elizabeth Glover, Geraldine G. Minley, Gwen Glover, and Hazell G. Jones; grandchildren Kara Hamilton (husband, Dave), Michael Reed (wife, Kwini), Jonathan Reed, Elkanah Reed (wife, Sierra), Byron Craig, Adia Reed, Kiah Craig, Keturah Reed; and great-grandchildren Paiten Craig, Arianna Craig, Ryland Hamilton, Mackenzie Reed, Mateo Reed, and Ezra Reed.

A public viewing will be held on August 4, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at M.J. Edwards Whitehaven Funeral Chapel, 5494 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38116.

In consideration for the care and safety of all those who loved William Reed, the family is postponing the larger memorial service until the spring of 2021.