November 8, 2012

A celebration for Milton L. Reed, 86, of Raleigh, N.C., will be held Thur., Nov. 15, at noon at First Baptist Church of Hartselle.

A graveside service and burial will follow at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Gadsden.

A visitation will be held at the Bryan Lee funeral home in Garner, N.C., Sat. Nov. 10, from 6-8 p.m. Another visitation will be held at Peck Funeral Home on Nov. 14, from 6-8 p.m.

Mr. Reed died Nov. 8, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 15, 1925, son of Arthur and Sivola Reed in Boaz.

As a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher/principal, those whose lives were touched by Milton will miss his sense of humor, passion for life, and kind, gentle spirit.

Following his two and a half year service in the Navy during World War II, Milton pursued degrees in education and administration at Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Milton began his career as a history teacher at Hokes Bluff High School in Alabama in 1952. This is where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Smith, in 1953. He later served as the principal at Hokes Bluff High School, as well as Union Springs High School and Haleyville High School, all in Alabama.

Milton and his family moved to Hartselle in 1967 where he served as principal at Hartselle High School for 13 years before his retirement in 1980. Following his retirement from education, he served as the Building and License inspector for the City of Hartselle from 1980-1985. During his retirement, Milton worked hard to fulfill his goal of catching every fish in Smith Lake.

He was predeceased by his son Richard Reed; his brother Welton Reed; and sisters Mildred Brothers and Onzelle Rice.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Reed of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Beth Reed of Raleigh, N.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte Williams and Jerry Williams of Garner, N.C.; and many special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you honor Milton by helping someone in need or by making a donation to your favorite charity.

Condolences may be made to www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.