Joe Henry Reed was born on June 14, 1933, in Thomson, Georgia, to Roy and Louise Reed. He spent portions of his childhood in Columbus, Ohio, and the Pittsburgh area before moving to Delaware, Ohio, at age 17. He later described this move as one of the defining moments of his life. 

Friendly and outgoing, Joe excelled in football, basketball, and track. After graduating from Willis High School in 1952, he attended Kent State University and played freshman football. In 2004, he was inducted into the Delaware City Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame for his football achievements. 

In 1951, Joe met the love of his life, Wanda Fleming. They married on May 7, 1953, and remained inseparable for 63 years. Together, they raised six children: Brenda Sales (Malcolm), Joe Reed II, Brian Reed (Regina), Margo Fraser (Perry), Natasha Reed, and Juan Reed. They also welcomed numerous foster children into their home and helped raise Joe’s younger brother, James Reed (Janey), and two grandchildren, Bridgette Peteet (Damien) and Devon Smale (Charles). Caring for his family was Joe’s greatest priority, and his generosity extended throughout the community. 

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Joe trained at Fort Knox and served at Fort Hood and Camp Chaffee. He attained the rank of sergeant and commanded a five-man M-47 tank crew before continuing his service in the Army Guard.

 Joe worked at Westinghouse and General Electric for a combined 30 years. He also owned carpet-cleaning and janitorial businesses and provided services for Greif, Inc., for 40 years. He enjoyed fishing, music, sports, and time with his family. 

A man of deep faith, Joe served as first elder of Victory Seventh-day Adventist Church in Delaware for 40 years. After moving to Florida in 2017, he joined Golden Gate All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church in Naples. He was known for his wisdom, friendliness, generosity, and dependability. 

Joe passed away peacefully at AVOW Hospice in Naples on August 22, 2026. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda, Joe is survived by his six children; his younger brother; 18 grandchildren and their spouses; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members. 

Joe will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May his legacy of love, faith, hard work, and service live on in each of us.