The following obituaries honor both the life and everlasting love of Hall Douglas Reed, Jr. and Catherine Jeanette Reed of Milton, Delaware.
Hall Douglas Reed, Jr.
Born on June 28, 1937, Hall Douglas Reed, Jr. was not only a loving husband to wife, Catherine Jeanette, but he was also a father, grandfather, brother, and friend. On Sunday, March 7, 2021, at the age of 83, Hall went home to be with the Lord; passing peacefully in his Milton, DE home.
Hall, or "Sonny" as many of his family and friends referred to him, was an avid lifelong Christian; spending much of his elder years as a founding member and Administrative Pastor of Eagle's Nest Fellowship Church of Milton with his dear friend, Pastor Bill Sammons, Sr. A graduate of Milton High School, Sonny went on to serve in the United States Navy for four years. Following his service, Sonny continued on to work as a salesman for White Packing Company. As he ventured away from his job as a salesman, Sonny then went into business with the late Grover Shockley; opening local grocery store, Shockley and Reed. Later, longtime friend John Starr joined Sonny, becoming his new partner as they poured their heart and soul into the stores' remaining years. To be noted is Sonny's dedication to his time spent as President of Meatland and Food City, President of Kent-Sussex Tire, President of Burris Logistics, and silent partner of the first Christian radio station in Delaware, 101.3 The Light FM.
In his retirement years, Sonny enjoyed spending his time overlooking Horsetooth Mountain from his Loveland, Colorado home with his wife, Jeanette. To Sonny, his home in Colorado was much more than just a home; but rather, his pride and joy. Sonny spent many years there alongside his children and grandchildren, taking trips to both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park and eating lunch at his favorite local restaurant, Johnson's Corner Restaurant & Bakery. Sonny also enjoyed renovating his very own buckboard and sheepherders wagons, both of which he displayed alongside his home atop Genesee Mountain.
Hall was preceded by his parents, Hall D. Sr. and Clara Reed; five sisters, Thelma Davidson, Almira Wilkerson, Charlotte Bailey, Ann Reed and Grace Reed; and a brother, Leighton Reed. Hall is survived by his brother, Howard Reed and wife, Donna; and nephew, Chad Reed.
Catherine Jeanette Reed
Born on December 20, 1939, Catherine Jeanette Reed was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. On Friday March 19, 2021, at the age of 81, Catherine passed peacefully at Bayhealth Sussex Campus, Milford. The news of Catherine's passing comes just shy of two weeks after that of her beloved husband, Hall D. Reed, Jr.
Catherine, or "Jeanette", as she was known to family and friends, could best be described as the sweetest and most endearing soul. As a wife and mother of four children, Jeanette dedicated much of her life to her family, and was known for her heartwarming presence. In her free time, Jeanette enjoyed gardening, bird watching with her husband, and spending time with her grandchildren and dogs, Angel and Sadie. Jeanette spent much of her time baking for her family. Each Thanksgiving, her family looked forward to her homemade pumpkin pies, embellished with hand cut leaves that adorned the border.
Following her husband's retirement, Jeanette spent much of her elder years alongside Sonny in their Colorado home. Jeanette loved planting and collecting wildflowers, going on picnics, "rocking" with her grandchildren, and visiting area antique stores. Jeanette, a woman of timeless beauty and grace, can best be remembered with perfectly pinned curls and a scarf holding them in place. She had an eye for fashion and was always "dolled up", often embellishing her outfits with a sparkling pin or one of her beaded handbags.
Jeanette was preceded by her parents, Eugene and Jessie Eakle; and a brother, Alvin Eakle. Catherine is survived by a brother, Eugene Eakle, Jr.; and nephew, Charles Eakle.
Their Life Together
Married on September 28, 1956 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes, Delaware, Hall and Catherine spent 64 precious years with one another. The pair first met as they were leaving a movie at the, now historic, Milton Theater. Following their marriage, Hall and Catherine relocated to Sanford, Florida while Sonny was stationed at the Sanford Naval Base for four years. After their time stationed at the naval base, the couple shared their time both with family in Delaware and at their home in Loveland, Colorado.
Hall and Catherine Reed are survived by their children, son, John Reed and wife, Martha; and grandchildren, Sophia Rigby (Jason) and Samantha Reed.; mother of Sophia and Samantha, Shari Sack; son, Paul Reed and wife, Carol; and grandchildren, Adam (Selena) and Mackenzie Reed; daughter, Teresa Reed; and grandsons, Michael Avery and Jacob Holland; and son, Steven Reed and partner, Peter. Hall and Catherine are also survived by their great-grandchildren, Conor, Abigail, and Riley Rigby.
Hall and Catherine are now in the presence of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Comfort may be found knowing that their love truly never had to know a day apart.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eagle's Nest Church, 26633 Zion Church Rd., Milton, DE 19968.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton. Online condolences may be left at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com