George Washington Reed Jr.

George W. Reed Jr. heard the last order to weigh anchor on April 14, 2021 and is now in the presence of his savior. He passed away at Life Care Center at Wells Crossing under the care of Community Hospice and Palliative Care.

Dad spent 30 years of his life doing what he enjoyed so much…. Being a sailor. His first deployment was with VX-6 to the Antarctic where he had the pleasure of meeting Admiral Richard Byrd. He was part of the first group at McMurdo Sound where they built Quonset huts for future squadrons to be housed in. Until they were built he and his squadron lived in tents on the ice. Later on in his career he was part of VP squadrons VP-5, VP-16, VP-24 and VP-45 as an air crew member. In his 30 years of service he earned his gold air crew wings. His father, mother, and two brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Shirley Reed, 4 sons, Mark Reed (Vilma), Glenn Reed (Sharon), Greg Reed (Renee) and Mitch Reed, his sister Dudley Ferguson, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Senior Chief Reed was a member of Shindler Drive Baptist Church.

Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday April 20th at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, on 7242 Normandy Blvd with viewing 1 hour before the service with interment at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Reverend David Jones officiating.