John Vallie Reed, 80, of Bevil Oaks, died on Monday, July 23, 2012, at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital, Nederland. He was born in Vinton, Louisiana on September 8, 1931, to Mary Belle and Vallie Reed.
A loyal and dedicated LSU Tiger, he attended Louisiana State University in 1948-49, and graduated from McNeese State University in 1952, where he was a member of the ROTC. After graduation, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army where he was stationed in occupied Germany. John was an insurance agent for Mutual of New York in Lake Charles; he then transferred to Beaumont working for the same company. Later, John went out on his own establishing the John Reed Insurance Company. He was a former member of the Young Men’s Business League.
He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Frances Bulber Reed; and brother, J.L. Reed.
Survivors include his wife of twenty-three years, Betty of Bevil Oaks; sons, Dr. Kenneth Reed; Dr. Michael Reed and his wife, Kristin; Jim Reed and his wife, Sue; and daughter, Janet Reed, all of Dallas; step-daughter, Vickie Evans and her husband, Marty, of Lufkin; step-sons, James Anders and his wife, Emily, of Austin; and Steve Anders and his wife, Mory, of Beaumont; fourteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his first wife’s side of the family, Patricia Cavell Bulber, Patrice Bulber, Gerard Bulber, and Collette Bulber Tanner.
One of John’s greatest joys was taking his grandchildren crabbing, just as he did with his children. When John and Betty married he instantly became the grandfather of an additional seven young children. His memories were too numerous to count including dance recitals, drill team programs, football, soccer, basketball, baseball games, and lots of golf tournaments. John and Betty also loved to travel and enjoyed many memorable trips.
He was a modern day Will Rogers, who never met a man he didn’t like. John was the ultimate people person who made everyone feel special, always taking the time to stop and speak to total strangers. This world would be a happier place if there were more John Reeds. His favorite thing to say to friends was “I’m glad you got to see me.” We’re all glad we got to see and love John Vallie.
A gathering of Mr. Reed’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
