Eugene Reed, Iii

Eugene Elliott Reed, III, 69 passed away in our home on November 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Elliott Reed, II of Moscow, Idaho and Ethel Storment Reed of London, Arkansas, his mother-in-law, Clara Lou Ferguson and his son Chopper. Gene is survived by his wife of 20 years, Donna; his akitas, Toshio and Mariko; his kitty cats, Flippie, Bootsie, Callie Ann and Eli; son, Lonnie; granddaughter, Brooklynn; Father-in-law, BW Ferguson; his God children and God great-grandchildren and the entire Ag Feed Industry Family. He was born in Austin Texas and at the age of 2, his family moved to the bay Area in San Francisco, where his father was a professor at Berkley and taught Foreign Languages and Lit. At the age of 16, he moved to Little Rock with his mom, where he attended Central High School. Gene was drafted on his 18th birthday, he took his oath and after a short stent at Fort Hood, Texas, he was off on his senior trip to Vietnam. He was in the 16th air Cavalry designated “Darkhorse”. He was the right door gunner. When he stepped off the plane he was hit by the hot humid air. OC Miller told them to sling their packs and no talking in ranks. Well, we all know Gene, no talking was not one of his characteristics. Gene was extremely intelligent and had a 99% total recall, which is why he had a PhD in Chemistry and Foreign Languages and Lit. Gene was such a bright light in this world and his absence is devasting, not only me, his wife, but to 1000’s of people around the world. His family and friends will always remember his good nature, his sense of humor and his conviction and love of his country. He always knew what the right thing to do was, there was never a grey area with him, only right and wrong, black and white. Gene never thought about himself, only others. He was the most caring individual I have had the privilege of meeting, knowing and being married to. He not only loved and cared about people but also animals. He would stop on the street, pick up an animal, bring it home for us to bury. Gene understood commitment and was wise. I am grateful you came into this world. I will love you forever, I promise I will and I will see you on the other side. Now, I must get busy, as you have always said, Death is a business and I now have a business to run.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 5-8 pm at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Sharon Baptist Church, 402 Shenandoah Rd, Benton, AR 72019. Adam Borel, Bill Lee, Brennan O’Shea, Bradley Reynolds, David Page and Ron Jergens will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lonoke.