Norman Jesse Reed

September 12, 1929 - August 28, 2018

Norman J. Reed, Sr., SSGT U.S. Army, retired, passed away on August 28, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucille Reed and children Norman and wife Joy; Leonard and wife Melodie, Teresa Willcoxon and husband Kenneth; Michael and wife Jodi; Patricia Buchanan and husband Steve, and Terry Kevin and wife Yanet; as well as 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Norman was born on September 12, 1929 in the coal town of Jenkin Jones, W.V. He had the courage to join the Army and see the world. His sister, Pauline convinced her friend, Lucille, to be his pen pal while he was serving during the Korean conflict. A romance ensued and upon returning he convinced Lucille to marry and their adventures began. After serving two tours in Korea Norman re-enlisted. Some of his assignments included serving on the team that developed the Honest John missile system at White Sands proving grounds. He served two tours in Germany, one during the Berlin airlift and Cuban missile crisis. He also served a tour in Vietnam before retiring at Ft. Hood after twenty-five years of service. Norman was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. The family home was the center of many gatherings that grew and grew over the years. He will be missed by many. A private family memorial will be held at a future date.