John W. Reed

Trustee John Wesley Reed was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 5, 1945, to the late John Washington and Willie Gaye Reed.

Johnny, which he was called by his family was the oldest of three brothers.  He was preceded in death by his parents John W. and Willie Gaye Reed and brother Arnold Reed.

John attended Philadelphia public school for elementary school but, for high school he attended the Downingtown industrial and Agricultural school in Chester County where he received his High School diploma. 

In September of 1965 he enlisted in the army. There he served in the Vietnam War where he specialized in field arty repair. He received the Vietnam service medal, National defense service medal and Vietnam campaign medal with device 60 sharpshooter.

He later went on to acquire a certificate at CEI(Computer Education Institute). But, he finally found his dream job which was driving an 18 wheeler truck for CF Trucking Company, where he drove all over the country. John did this for over 20 years. Because of that, he ended up being stationed in Georgia which he loved because he was back home in the south with that Southern hospitality and being closer to his hometown Alabama. After CF Trucking he decided to drive for Marta Bus Co. for Atlanta Department of Transportation. He was also a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, where he received his certificate of Achievement and Fork Lapel Pin.

While living in Georgia in 2005 he became a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Georgia (which is the oldest African American church in Clayton County). He serves as the Chairman of the Trustees under Pastor Otis Nathanial White. John also was a member of the male chorus, men of valor and the food ministry, where he was the one in charge of making all the desserts and sweets.

After many years in the state of Georgia, he decided it was time to relocate back to Pennsylvania, where he could be surrounded by his family and receive all of the care he so richly deserved. He loved to cook and watch action movies, and he absolutely loved Star Trek.

John was a very direct individual who would not mince words when you asked his opinion. John’ favorite saying, was “Keep your hand in Jesus Hand “, as he would never miss an opportunity to share his love for Jesus Christ. He followed the scriptures and teachings of Christ and raised his children to do likewise. He studied the Bible constantly and he lived his life the way Christ commanded him to live.

John leaves to cherish his memories his two sons Jamal Reed and Khalil Reed Sr. four stepsons Eddie Barber, Kenneth Barber, Benjamin Marshall and Burnette Fortson one daughter in love Teonna Reed, five grandchildren Michael Spiller, Erik Spiller, Tanaya Reed, Kayla Spiller, and Khalil Reed Jr.  one great grandchild Noriana Spiller one brother Joseph Reed, a close cousin that was like a sister Rose Halloway, a devoted friend Barbara Landfair (McDonough, Ga ) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Sorrowfully submitted, The Family

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