John Gregory Reed, 56, of Salem, known as Greg to friends and family, died suddenly and unexpectedly Friday, October 24, 2014, serving the community he loved.
Born in Lafayette, Indiana in 1958, he was preceded in death by his father, John Everett Reed and mother, Marlene Bouse Reed. He is survived by his wife, Beth Ritter Reed; sons, Joseph Cinquemani, Kaleb Reed, and Chance Reed of Salem; his sister, Teresa Parry and husband, Tim Parry and their daughter, Bess Platt and husband, Stephen Platt; daughter, Brooke Parry and son, Jacob Parry and wife Kelly; sister, Judi Reed Anderson and her husband, Paul Anderson, and sons, Drew, Tyler, and Blake.
Greg earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1980.He spent the majority of his career as a utility engineer for the City of Roanoke and the Western Virginia Water Authority, where he served as Director of Engineering Services.
He was a fearless and adventurous soul who loved to run, hang-glide, ride motorcycles, hike, ski and camp. He rode across America by bicycle when he was only 18.Greg was also driven, competing in many marathons, triathlons, and century bicycle races. He overcame a serious battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was an 18 year cancer survivor.
He was a loving husband, devoted father, kind big brother, committed friend, excellent engineer, and dedicated public servant. A godly man in the best sense, he was ever humble, deeply faithful, and never passive. He worked tirelessly to help others in need or to do whatever was needed at his beloved West Salem Baptist Church. Greg had a warm genuine smile and was not just friendly, but a true friend to so many. He was ready for heaven, but none here were ready for him to leave us. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 7PM, Thursday, October 30, 2014, at the West Salem Baptist Church, 500 Turner Rd. Salem, VA 24153. The Revs. Nick Schaffer and Eddie Strickland will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9PM, Wednesday, October 29th and from Noon to 2PM Thursday, October 30th at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gregs memory to the Ugandan Orphanage Fund, in care of West Salem Baptist Church. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation
Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 7:00pm - 9:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Second Visitation
Thursday, October 30th, 2014 12:00pm - 2:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Service Information
Thursday, October 30th, 2014 7:00pm,
West Salem Baptist Church
500 Turner Rd.
Salem, VA 24153
Interment Location
John M Oakey & Son Crematory
305 Roanoke Blvd
Salem, VA 24153
