Dr. Joel Wesley Reid

Joel Wesley Reid, age 91, longtime resident of Vestavia Hills, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012. Dr. Reid was an amazingly compassionate and caring man, who deeply loved his family. His chosen profession, and many years working as a medical doctor and co-director at ACIPCO, allowed him to use his gifts to take such loving care of many people. Even in his declining years with Alzheimer's, he never forgot love, and he showed it every day. He was quick to take your hand, kiss it and tell you that he loved you. The individuals who cared for him in the year before his passing said that he was such a special, loving man and brightened their days. He touched their lives, as he did with so many others that he came in contact with throughout his life. He was a faithful, loving servant, and he was truly loved by many. He was a devoted husband to his sweetheart of 61 years, Mary Goodbar Reid, who preceded him in death with her passing in 2009. Also preceding him in death were his parents and seven siblings. Dr. Reid is survived by two daughters, Elaine Reid Ferguson and Amy Reid Thering (Mike Thering); one son, Joel Reid, Jr. (Patti Toro Reid); and three grandchildren, Michelle Reid, Melissa Reid, and Ella Thering. A graveside service will be held at 3p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. (1-800-272-3900).