James Ray Reed

James Ray Reed, age 72, lifelong Buford, GA resident and business owner, passed away after an extended illness on Monday, April 3, 2017, surrounded by his family. James will be remembered as a friend to everyone he met – business partners, waiters, employees, nurses, whomever recognized his genuine nature and interest in developing relationships. He demonstrated his love of Jesus by lending a hand every time he was given the chance. To his family, he was a loving husband for 50 years, a fair, wise, patient and generous father to his children, and a fun-loving, Easter-egg hiding, encourager and supporter to his grandchildren. He usually arrived at your house whistling a tune and it was hard not to catch his infectious joy whenever he was around.

He leaves a legacy of love and a model of humility, grace and steadfastness to those of us left behind. He provided an example of serving the Lord and serving others that will continue to inspire those who knew him long after the pain of losing him subsides. The family is overwhelmed with thanksgiving that he has been received in glory, no longer held down by the illness that he endured for years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Elmer and Mollie Garrett Reed of Buford, sister Virginia Reed Freeman of Cedartown, GA, and sister-in-law Reba Jones Reed of Buford. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheila Peevy Reed, children Kecia and Ken Wilson of Buford, Kevin and Teri Lynn Reed of Dawsonville, GA, and Joshua and Jacelyn Reed of Raleigh, NC; 12 grandchildren, Samantha Wilson and fiancé Greg Greenwald and Will Wilson, Cullen, Campbell and Caden Reed, and Kate, Carter, Hudson, Mollie, Brooks and Elliot Reed; and also by brothers and sisters-in-law Dan and Linda Reed, Garrett Reed, Stanley and Sandra Reed all of Buford and brother-in-law Darroll Freeman of Cedartown, GA, plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was born March 31, 1945 and was a 1963 graduate of Buford High School where he played football and basketball, and later served in the Army National Guard Reserve. With his brothers, he operated Reed’s Building Supply for 39 years. He also worked on Buford’s Planning & Zoning Board for more than 30 years, one of the many ways he demonstrated his deep affection for the people of his community. He was a member, deacon, teacher and mentor at First Baptist Church, Buford, and lately concentrated his love, activity and efforts on missions, both at home and in Central America. He loved spending time with this family and his genuine regard for everyone he met will be his lasting legacy.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Buford, GA. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in honor of James Reed to the Great Commission Offering at First Baptist Church, 4550 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford, GA 30518. Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel 770-945-6924 Share memories of James at hamiltonmillchapel.com