Melvin Richard Reid

Melvin Richard Reid was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 29, 1943 to the late Milton Hillsman and Alma Fears. At an early age, he was adopted by Walife and Edward Reid who shaped his life in the loving Reid family.

He graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1961. He attended Morehouse College and completed a four-year apprenticeship program at Lockheed Georgia Company sponsored by the Georgia Institute of Technology and Southern Technical Institute. He served in the U.S Air Force during the Vietnam Era as a Communication Specialist. After honorably serving his country, Melvin enjoyed a fulfilling employment at Lockheed, and retired in 2001 after an exemplary career as a Customer Service and Special Courses Instructor.

Melvin’s legacy and dedication to service spoke for itself. As one of the Founders and Presidents of the Adamsville Baker Hills Community Club, Vice Chairman of the Neighborhood Planning Unit H, and President of the Martin Luther King Community Development Corporation, he was always an advocate for the betterment of the community.

Melvin had many interests, and anyone who knew him, knew he was willing to share information about those interests. He would speak at length to anyone who would listen. He loved to tinker with ALL electronics and was an avid Amateur Radio Operator, receiving his license at age thirteen. Dabbling in photography and building things were his favorite pastimes.

He was a gentle spirit and a member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church for over twenty years. He participated in church school, bible study, the September Birth Month Ministry, and was the President of the Brotherhood.

A passionate family man and a doting grandfather, Melvin is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Bettye Hendricks Reid; two sons, Brian Christopher and Eric Dwayne Reid; four grandchildren, Georgia Reid, Ayumi Reid, Miles Eber and the love of his heart, Nzinga Reid. He is also survived by one sister, Diane Terrell; five brothers, Milton (Thelma) Hillsman Jr., Donald Hillsman, Donald Fears, Asberry Fears and Michael Fears; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and beloved friends. Melvin left a profound impression on so many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Please take time to leave condolences with the family or share memories of Melvin by visiting www.WhitleyGarner.com

Services have been entrusted to the care of Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134