Donald E. Reed, Jr.

Donald E. Reed, Jr., 74, of Newnan, formerly of Albany, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Sacred Journey Hospice Care surrounded by his loving family.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Mathew’s Funeral Home with interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Don’s nephew, Rev. Tucker Lewis, will officiate. 

Don was born on January 4, 1949 in Butte, MT to the late Don and Bonita Reed. The family soon moved to Blakely, GA before settling in Albany.  In 1969, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army. He married Ruth, his childhood sweetheart, on May 18^th with Ruth’s father, Rev. T.A. McDonald, officiating the ceremony. They celebrated 54 years of marriage this year. 

Don and Ruth welcomed their daughter, Adrianne, in 1975 and then their son Trey, four years later.  Many people knew Don from working at Woodall’s convenience store and later from Wal-Mart, where he retired after 29 years of service. Don never met a stranger, and it was difficult for him to go anywhere without seeing someone he knew. One of his most treasured qualities was his sense of humor, as he could make a rock laugh. He was an avid reader and was on a first name basis with the librarians at Central Library. He was a huge fan of Stephen King and recently went to the movies to see “It” with his granddaughter, Emma Ruth.

It brought Don great pleasure to share in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed going to Adrianne’s and Trey’s extracurricular activities, which continued with his grandchildren’s, Emma Ruth and Cola, sporting events. “G-Daddy”, as they knew him, rarely missed a game, and when he did, he was always texting for updates. Trey’s son, Gabriel, thought G-Daddy was the funniest person he knew, and the two always had fun together. 

Don is survived by his wife Ruth Reed of Newnan, daughter Adrianne Reed Bellantoni (Nicholas), Peachtree City, son Trey Reed (Julia), Watkinsville, grandchildren, Emma Ruth Bellantoni, Cola Bellantoni, Gabriel Reed, sisters, Donna Robinson (Merle), Edith Sleasman, Nancy Potenza, brother Craig Reed.

The family will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Mathews Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Blakely First Methodist, PO Box 265, Blakely, GA 31723.