His passion for academia was evident early on as he received a scholarship to attend high school at Phillips Exeter Academy where he graduated in 1970. He graduated from Memphis State (now University of Memphis) with his Bachelor's in Philosophy and History in 1986. He then attended graduate school at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and received his Masters in Fine Arts. His thirst for knowledge and personal growth was never quenched and in his 50’s he graduated with his Masters of Divinity at the San Francisco Theological Seminary.
At the age of 45, John was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He was his own strongest advocate for his health and faced the challenges that came with the diagnosis head-on by learning everything he could about the disease and seeking out the latest in treatments. He was in remission for a time and he continued to do the things that brought him the most joy: poetry and songwriting, participating in and watching theater, and playing guitar.
John was preceded in death by his father, Donald Reed and his mother, Martha Jane Reed. He leaves to cherish his memory “his angel”, sister, Elizabeth Reed Hoskins; his nieces, Rebecca (Ryan) Watson and Natalie Hoskins; his nephew, Bryan Powers and the love of his life, Michele Bondi. He will be missed by innumerable extended family and friends who filled his days with faith, creativity, laughter, and love.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to those friends who were able to visit during his last days that brought him so much joy.
In lieu of flowers, please join the family in continuing in John’s footsteps and personal missions of leaving the world a better place by considering a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm with a celebration of his life service at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Reed family.
