Gerald C. Reed, Sr., 78, of Waldoboro, died at Penobscot Bay Medical Center on July 13.
He was born in Warren, June 15, 1927, the son of Chester and Mildred Ellen Meggs Reed.
He grew up in a family of 11 children in Rockland and Waldoboro. He went to work at Bath Iron Works in 1943, where he continued to work for 25 years. Before retiring, he achieved the ranking of supervisor.
After leaving Bath Iron Works, he started and operated Reed Forest Products. His true love was always working outdoors, cutting wood and trucking it to customers and to mills. With his sons’ help, Gerald maintained this work until recent years.
His favorite hobby was camping. After purchasing an RV in 2003, he and friends traveled throughout Maine, Canada and Florida. Throughout his life, he owned lakeside camping areas where he always invited family and friends to share his enjoyment of camping.
He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Grace; son, Wendell Reed; brothers, Kenneth and Albert Reed; sisters, Ethel and Phyllis Simmons; and his parents.
Survivors include his very special friend and companion, Evelyn Taylor of Cushing; sons, Larry Reed of El Paso, Tex., Gerald Reed, Jr. of Waldoboro, Gary Reed of Waldoboro, and Steven Reed of Waldoboro; grandchildren, Larry Reed, Jr., of Rockland, Paula Ryder and husband Jason of Clinton, Mass., and Clinton Gerald Reed of Waldoboro; great-grandchildren, Kaci and Taylor Ryder of Clinton, Mass.; sisters, Nancy Murch of Cushing, Ruth Benner of Rockland, and Violet Benner of California; brother, Howard Reed of Waldoboro; aunt, Marguerite Burnham of Waldoboro; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Mon., July 17 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
Graveside service 10 a.m., Tues., July 18 at Shuman Cemetery in Waldoboro, with Rev. Thomas Rawley officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro.
