Jerry Reese Reed

Jerry Reese Reed

April 5, 1934 - October 18, 2020

 Today, we celebrate Jerry Reese Reed and his life with Jesus. His life was spent sharing Jesus with all those he met along life’s highways through his actions and words. He is now home enjoying every moment of heaven. Jerry Reese Reed was a faithful and humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and went home Sunday, October 18th. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Dale Reed; daughter Kimberly; sons & their wives, Joe Knox & Jeanie and Reese & Ronna; favorite grandchildren Passion Reed and Jonathan Reed; as well as countless other family and friends. He would not have ap- proved of the accolades or attention but we wanted to honor his life in Christ.
Jerry was born April 5,1934 in Fort Worth to Nell and Knox Reed. He grew up on the Meachem Field family farm, attended Northside High, UTA ,and graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Agriculture/Animal Husbandry. When asked why he wouldn’t wear his college ring, Jerry replied, “Because it might hinder my outreach to people.” He also served his country eight years as a Sargent in the Marine Reserves.
He married his high school sweetheart Dale Womack September 3, 1956 and later moved to Saginaw. Jerry spent most of his life in the family business as a farmer, cat- tleman, and dairy farmer in Meachem/Saginaw and surrounding areas. Eventually he worked at Lockheed and then as a Realtor for both Century 21 and Fadel-Buchanan.
Jerry’s priority was serving and sharing the love of the Lord with everyone he met, but his actions always spoke louder than his words. He would give a Texas pat on the back and leave by saying, “Praise the Lord for YA” and he meant it. He served as a member of the International Gideon’s ministry and was instrumental in placing bibles in schools, and other places around the world. He served as a Deacon in First Baptist Church Saginaw, Sunday School teacher, Bus ministry, and Jail ministry. He was part of building the dorms for Youth With a Mission ministry in Hawaii and continued to serve in various ministries. His desire to help someone in need by providing money, food, lodging or even filling up a tank to send them on their way was another example of serving others before himself. He was humble and never allowed his successes to be overshadowed by his love for people. One of his favorite memories was when his wife sent him on a surprise trip to Israel and he was able to walk the paths that Jesus walked. If he could speak to you today, he would encourage you to have a relationship with Jesus and share his love in practical ways in hopes to share heaven with you one day.
Jerry loved people and never met a stranger. He would often pick up hitch hikers or the homeless and take them to the farm for lodging, a meal, and even a temporary job. One time, Jerry and Kimberly went to Walmart where Jerry introduced Kimberly to every Walmart cashier and told her about each person and their family. Then, one cashier shared how Jerry had helped her family. He believed you could never out give God. He always put others first and would even leave the farm if someone was in need leaving the cows to wait. His gift of accepting and seeing people through the eyes of Christ was evident in the diversity of the people he served. His kindness and quiet spirit always sought out those in need.
 Jerry also served the Saginaw community in numerous ways supporting his wife Dale in her endeavors, as well as being a member of Saginaw Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and being involved in community events, such as Beefeaters, July 4th, Senior citizens, Youth sports programs, and Summer recreational programs. He and his brother Ken- neth Reed helped provide community baseball and football fields. Jerry was a behind the scenes person who never wanted recognition.
Family was his most treasured possession. He and Dale served together for 64 years in their marriage, children, faith/church and community. He always managed to attend all of his children’s events knowing that the cows or tractor could wait. His time spent on family vacations was often cut short due to the cows. But yet he knew, we would all jump in the truck to go round up the cows in the middle of the night when necessary. Together, we supported each other as a family even though we were all going in differ- ent directions. Jerry, with his slow Texas drawl, was one of the last old time cowboys who was proud of his western heritage and enjoyed telling stories from the past.
Our family sends a heart of gratitude for all those who prayed for Jerry during his health issues and recent struggles. We want to extend our appreciation to the Caregivers -Sherry, Kia, and Kamreron, as well as the Hospice nurses and aides.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Knox and Nell Reed, brother Kenneth Reed, and nieces Karen Oney and Terri Gaw.
In lieu of flowers, Jerry did NOT want a big funeral or flowers, but a private graveside service. His desire was for us to help someone who is struggling or in need, and to share Jesus so that they will enjoy living their LIFE in the fullness of knowing Christ!
Please share your favorite memory of Jerry with us,
We all “Praise the Lord for Ya” and Thank YOU for being the hands and feet of Jesus. It is his legacy of faith and commitment to Christ that will be shared for generations. Thank you Jerry for giving to the Lord, our lives are changed because of you.