Another member of the Greatest Generation is gone. Merelith Reed died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. He retired to Monticello twenty-five years ago to be near family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Judy Reed. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Delores and Ronny Green, of Monticello; a granddaughter, Deanna Joy Green, of New York City; two nieces; and a nephew.
Reed was born Oct. 12, 1923, in Arkansas. After graduating from high school at the age of nineteen, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force and served his country in WWII. He was a power turret specialist and flew 32 combat missions on a B-24 bomber, serving in France, Germany, and North Africa. After leaving the Air Force at the end of WWII, he worked in the insurance industry. In retirement he enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with family and pets.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Tallahassee, and later attended First Presbyterian Church in Monticello. A celebration of life will be held at a later date by his family. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-5428.