Barry Scott Reed

Barry Scott Reed of Lexington, Georgia died Friday, September 18th at his home. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born in Stanford, Kentucky on May 6th, 1952 to Wallace DeLane Reed and Elizabeth Carter Reed, he was the son of a military family who found their way to Alaska and Germany before settling in Athens, Georgia. He loved the rolling hills of his home state and often took his family to spend long weekends with his grandparents who remained in Stanford. In his younger days, he would leave his home in Georgia late in the evening only to arrive in Stanford the following morning to surprise his grandmother. (Always, conveniently, just in time for breakfast).

He attended Athens High School and went on to study at the University of Georgia. He married Patricia Jackson, the love of his life, in 1976. A veteran of the armed forces, he went on to a career in law-enforcement; serving as a lieutenant for the Oconee County Sherriff’s Office, Chief of Police at the Comer Police Department, and finally retiring from the Jackson County Sherriff’s Office. Along with his father, he built Reed’s Odds and Ends in Bishop, Georgia, now in business for nearly forty years. If you have a coveted collectible, there is a very good chance that it came from there. He always had a love of antiques, junk, and old houses, and was restoring the historic Lexington home that he shared with his wife. Barry was a member of American Legion, Post 123.

He was preceded in death by his mother; Elizabeth Reed, and is survived by his wife; Patricia Reed of Lexington, daughter; Christie Reed Marsh, son; Scott Reed, honorary son; Daniel Tokos, grand-daughters; Sarah Adams and Elizabeth Adams, father; Wallace Reed, sister; Janice Reed, niece; Laurie Dew; uncle, Marvin Reed (Marlene), and, of course, his rescue dogs; “Pup” and “Skipper”.

To know Barry was to love him. With a ready wit and contagious laughter, he was the type of engaging person who never met a stranger. He was always smiling and whistling a song or singing along with an old favorite. He passed that same love of music down to his children who will never hear a John Denver song without remembering those long road-trips to Kentucky. Early on, he had worked as a chef for Seaboard Coastline Railroad and enjoyed cooking throughout his life. All will certainly miss his famous chili and pot roast. Barry was a wonderful person and his love, humor, support, and camaraderie will always be remembered. Those country roads have finally taken him home.

Please direct condolences to:

Christie Reed Marsh

P.O. Box 72

Watkinsville, GA 30677

A memorial service will be planned in the coming weeks. Barry loved dogs and was an advocate for rescuing those in need. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Athens Pets at www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1217555

Lord & Stephens, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com