Rufus "Ray" Reed's Obituary
Rufus Ray Reed MSGT US Airforce
Ray was born to Rose and James Reed on July 12, 1936 in Christiansburg, VA. He was raised as a farm boy. After high school he joined the Airforce in October of 1954. He started as a jet mechanic and then became a flight engineer flying on C-141’s and C-130’s. He proudly served for twenty-two years spending some time in Vietnam.
Ray played football in high school and because of this he decided to coach little league football and baseball. He coached football and baseball for many years at McChord and Fort Lewis. He was so proud of coaching that he loved to tell you stories of the players and highlights of games.
After retirement from the Airforce, he went to work for Boeing as a functional test mechanic. He worked for Boeing for fifteen years and retired in 1993.
He would fulfill some of his retirement by doing volunteer work. He volunteered for Group Health, Hospice at American Lake VA and for Bethany Methodist food bank helping hand out food.
When he was not volunteering, he would try to get out and play golf or go fishing. He was able to take a few trips to Iowa for golf with the blind rehab through the VA and several trips to Canada for fishing with the grandsons.
One of his biggest passions in life was his love for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Virginia would find them in his pockets, all kinds of drawers and even in his toolboxes.
Ray is survived by his wife Virginia, his daughter Debbie (Jerry) Rosenow, brother Gary Styron and stepdaughter Kristie (Henry) Caywood.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy, his two sons Ronald and Randall Reed and stepson Samuel Wigdahl.
Ray was blessed with thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, two nieces and three nephews.
Due to state mandates in regards to COVID-19, services are by invitation only. Please join us virtually December 3rd, at 1pm for a live webcast of Ray's service and military honors via the link below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/41376
Those not able to join us live can use the same link to access a service recording for 90 days following the service.
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