Arthur Roy Reed was born on June 16, 1933 in Lee County, Mississippi to Cecil and Grace Turner Reed. Seventh of ten children, Arthur Roy spent his childhood in Auburn and attended Lawhon Elementary and graduated from Mooreville High School. He served 18 months in the United States Army in Japan and served his post like Napoleon. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his education at Mississippi State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. He worked for the United States Postal Service until he retired at age 55.
His loyalty to things he enjoyed was astounding, such as eating breakfast on Saturday mornings at Comer’s Restaurant – two scrambled eggs, country ham, biscuits with red eye gravy and decaf coffee. Arthur Roy was a member of the Mississippi Antique Car Association and spent many hours bringing his lady home with the Tupelo Twirlers square dance group. He was a 32 degree Mason, a member of Tupelo Lodge 318, and a member of the Scottish Rites and York Rites. He cherished his friends, never met a stranger and could keep you laughing for hours. Hunting ducks, quail and dove gave him much pleasure. When playing games with his daughters, he made up the rules as he went, causing many arguments which he loved. He was an avid Mississippi State University Football Fan. He was an active member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church and more recently Andrew’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as a delegate to the Mississippi United Methodist Conference for several years. This was a job he really enjoyed as he got to see many friends each year and make new ones. He was always ready for the next adventure and loved to travel. He enjoyed driving many miles with his car driving buddies and solving the world’s problems while drinking coffee with his friends.
A service to celebrate Arthur Roy’s life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, June 12, 2016, at Andrew’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1412 Hwy. 371 South, Tupelo, MS, with Bro. Abe Zimmerman and Bro. Sammy Washburn officiating. Burial will follow in Andrew’s Chapel Cemetery. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Jo Ann Hussey Reed; his three daughters, Terry Estes and husband, Lawrence of Houston, TX, Tamara Tillman of Houston, TX and Tara Shoop and husband, Greg of Birmingham, AL; grandsons, Reed Estes and wife Lauren, Chris Estes and wife, Carrie, Tyler Tillman, Corey Shoop and wife, Paige and Hunter Shoop; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lawson and Collier Estes. Also surviving him are his siblings, Shirley Gillentine, Billy Reed and wife, Evon, Norma Jones and husband, W.C., Paul Reed and Coy Williams; two sisters-in-law, Eloine Reed and Varnell Reed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Dorothy; three brothers, Ray, Rex and John Turner. He also lost Rip and Rap, his beloved bird dogs, way before their time.
Pallbearers will be Reed Estes, Chris Estes, Tyler Tillman, Corey Shoop, Hunter Shoop and David Van Gillentine. Honorary Pallbearers will be his sons-in-law, Lawrence Estes, Jr. and Greg Shoop.
Visitation will be 5 – 8 Saturday and 1 – 2 Sunday all at the church.
In lieu of customary remembrances, for those who desire, memorials may be made to the Andrew’s Chapel Cemetery Fund.
