Robert Leonard Reid Jr.

Robert Leonard Reid, Jr., 92, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born December 27, 1930, in Pensacola, Florida, the first son of Robert Leonard Reid, Sr. and Minnie Lee (Watson) Reid.

Robert graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, Florida and in June 1954 he received his first college degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in Citrus Agriculture from Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida. August 1954, Second Lieutenant Reid reported for duty with the United States Army to fulfil his military obligation. He remained in the Army for a military career that spanned 20 years, serving in various command and supervisory or staff positions. Most of his service was performed in military law enforcement activities involving police operations, confinement, and criminal investigation. During his service he was detailed to the Infantry for two years and served a tour as an assistant inspector general. He served two tours of duty in Europe and two in the far east (Korea and Vietnam). Lieutenant Colonel Reid’s last assignment before retirement on September 1, 1974, was a Provost Marshal, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

After military retirement, he moved his family to Cape Coral, Florida, where he held residence for nearly 50 years. In June 1980, he received his second college degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Robert was initially involved in retail business equipment and supply, becoming part owner and vice president of the company. He also worked within the Real Estate industry and closed out his working years as a security guard. Robert was involved with several organizations that supported his passions of flying and hunting. He was involved in Chapter 565 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Punta Gorda, Florida, where he performed duties of secretary and president. He was instrumental in forming the Cape Coral Sportsman’s Association in 1988 and was its first vice president. He served the organization, now known as the Southwest Florida Sportsman’s Association, Inc. encourages sporting activities such as hunting, shooting, fishing and archery, as both treasurer and president. He was also a member of the Lee County Archers and the Lo and Slo Flyers of Southwest Florida. Perhaps his most cherished accomplishment post military was his volunteer work as a Hunter Education Instructor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. He began this volunteer work in the early 1990s and has taught thousands of students about gun safety.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angelica H. Reid, his parents Robert Reid and Minnie Lee Peek, his brother, John E. Reid.

Robert is survived by his sister Margaret Nathurst; sons Norbert A. Schwark, Robert M. Reid, James T. Reid (Janet Osborne, Emily and Austin), and Stephen G. Reid; his daughter Kristina M. Price (Steven Price); his grandchildren Tony, Alyssa, Sophie, Patrick, Tommy, Kylie, Kaitlynn; and great grandchildren Cameron and Mason.

A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A celebration of life will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A committal service will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Reid family.