Raymond Reed, Sr.

The life of Raymond Deloyd Reed, Sr. began when he was born on March 14, 1938, in Tunica, Mississippi to his parents, Sam Reed and Mattie Martin Reed. He was the fourth child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, James, S.B., Maurice and his sisters, Blanche, Velma, Geneva and Bernice. He completed his formal education in Tunica, MS where he completed the tenth grade. In 1956, Raymond united in holy matrimony to Silverine Reed in Cushing, Oklahoma. They exchanged vows at the city courthouse in Wichita, Kansas. To this union, Shaletta and Raymond, Jr. were born. He later wed Mary Miller on August 30, 1976, in Denver, Colorado. With this union, he became the step father of Glenda, Edward, Walter, Vanessa, Glen, Robert, Terry and Sheila. His children remember him as being firm but fair. He taught them to be strong and always wanted what was best for them. They also remember his generosity and how he would let them know if he was disappointed for one reason or another. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. Mary preceded him in death on January 23, 2007. Raymond was the proud grandfather of thirty grandchildren; and fifty two great grandchildren which were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They too remember his words of wisdom; his love for each of them and he wanting them to be a success in their chosen careers. By profession, Raymond was a Professional Chef. He was employed by the Wichita Country Club, The Warehouse Restaurant, the Columbine Country Club and the Cherry Creek Public School District. He is remembered as being a hard worker who was dependable and a joy to work around. He was the type of man who performed his duties with a spirit of excellence. He loved putting his culinary talents to the test. He enjoyed competing in the Colorado Statewide Chef Competition. Raymond was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, playing both cards and dominoes. He truly enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends during family gatherings. He loved listening to the blues. His favorite artist was B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Stevie Ray Vaughn just to name a few. Listening to music was both uplifting and magical to Raymond. He loved the music whether he was feeling low or just having a good time. As his health began to decline, his devoted granddaughter, D'layna was his personal caregiver. She took great pride in his care & nurture and Raymond knew he could lean and depend on her. He was also blessed to have Lee Mason, Reverend Gregory Hill, Bill Jackson, Carl Wright, W.C. McGarity and Prince Theus as devoted friends and confidantes. They all will miss the camaraderie they all shared together and he being a true and genuine friend. Raymond will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Raymond was to love him. He is also preceded in death by three children, Glen Miller, Robert Miller and Terry Miller; his parents, Sam and Mattie Reed; siblings, James Reed, S.B. Reed, Blanche Patterson and Velma Fernell. Raymond Deloyd Reed, Sr. departed this life on February 20, 2013, in his home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss included two sons, Raymond D. (Marilyn) Reed, Jr. of Palmdale, CA and Edward J. Reed of Denver; five daughters, Reverend Glenda M. (Lawrence) Lee, Walter R. Miller Johnston all of Denver, Shaletta V. Prince of Wichita, KS, Vanessa Reed and Sheila L. Reed both of Denver; one brother, Maurice Reed of Denver; two sisters, Geneva Harvey and Bernice Reed both of Denver; 30 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Visitation: 3/1/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 3/2/2013 at 11:00 AM - Absolute Word Church - 2575 Vine Street, Denver, CO