Walter Allen Reid

A celebration of life for Walter Allen Reid, 79 of the Munford/Oxford area, will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home. He will be buried at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Ministers Richard O'Connor and Chance Goodwin will lead everyone down memory lane as they revisit 'Walter Stories' and share his passions in life. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Walter was born on March 29, 1936 and passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 surrounded by love. He has been given back to the Lord until we have the blessing of seeing him again in Heaven. The one that had his heart, Betty Jean ‘Baby Jean’ Carter Reid, will continue to live out Walter’s lifelong philosophy—everyone deserves a second chance, help those in need, and do good deeds out of love and joy but never for recognition. Walter and Betty were married for 62 years in which they were blessed with three children. Walter’s legacy will continue to live on through his children, Ronald (DeLayne) Reid, Michael (Jackie) Reid, Jennifer (Scott) Poore; his grandchildren, Jack (Melissa) Reid, Summer Reid, David Reid, Blake (Leigha) Poore, Brittney Poore, Anto Espinosa, Andrea Espinosa; and his great grandchildren, A.J., Mason, Riley, Joshua, Emmaleigh, Annabelle, Rhyder, Axton, and soon to arrive Baby Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Harry (Lee) Reid, with whom he spent lots of time and loved dearly, his beloved sister-in-laws, Minnie Reid and Wilma Reid Williams; his beloved brother-in-laws, Ralph (Joan) Carter; his favorite sisters [in law], ‘Dingy One’ Helen Lee and ‘Dingy Two’ Ellen (Jeff) Record; a host of nieces and nephews and the best friends a guy could have. Pallbearers will be Dillard Bonds, Lamar Carter, Blake Poore, Scott Poore, David Reid, and Mike Waters. Honorary Pallbearers will be ‘Wooky’ O. Mildred Ball, Doug Alger, Ted Bright, Ralph Carter, Robert Frost, Donald Ginn, Andy Hatley, Jimmy Key, Ed Mundy and Bob White. Walter always had a love for motorcycles and cars. He purchased his first motorcycle at the age of 12 and began working on cars as a career not too long into adulthood. His love for both kept him very active. From motorcycle rallies with older friends throughout the years to 10+ hour work days at his business, Walter loved keeping ‘multiple irons in the fire.’ He had a strong work ethic and ran circles around those half his age. There was always the right way, the wrong way and Walter’s way and his way always prevailed. His business was the only place you could get hired, fired, and re-hired all in the same day while being fed lunch, given a ride home, and borrow money until payday. Numerous men in Oxford and surrounding area worked for Walter in their younger years and several who learned the fundamentals of body shop and parts work under his guidance went on to start their own businesses. Walter loved what he did and he did it well. Another passion Walter developed later in life was helping his church family serve the community through monthly food donations. This awesome food program serves 250-300 families in the Calhoun County area. Although it was a daily job for him picking up food and preparing for the monthly food give away, Walter loved helping out but most importantly, he enjoyed seeing Christ’s love being spread to those in need. Walter Reid was one of seven boys who followed their father’s example and proudly served in our nation’s military. He served 4 years in the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He loved his country and fellow servicemen so much that he remained in close contact with many through yearly Naval Reunions. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. During his life, he had been a member of the Betta View Hills Church of Christ and the Saks Church of Christ. Throughout the years, both church families have lovingly provided support, helped with needs, and encouraged Walter and his family. Walter was a very active member of the Saks Church of Christ where ministers Richard O’Connor and Chance Goodwin always filled his soul with the Living Word and filled his heart with true friendship. Walter was never one for a suit and tie and suit so he will be laid to rest in his beloved Auburn shirt, jeans, and work boots. He would want you to dress casual on his Celebration Day. Walter was also never a flower person and had always said he didn’t want them at his funeral. His thinking….flowers die so give something that can make a difference in the lives of others. Therefore, we ask that you honor his request for no flowers but instead make a donation to his favorite passion, the Food Program, at Saks Church of Christ, 5201 Saks Road, Anniston, AL 36206. There will be a box at the viewing and the celebration service to make donations in Walter’s memory for those who would like to do this. Place money in the envelope and write your name and mailing address on the outside so the family will know of your generosity. Walter was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alma Reid, and five of his brothers, Wallace, Joseph, Billy, Paul and Tommy. Thank you for all of your support. Walter will be deeply and truly missed.

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Walter Allen Reid

March 29, 1936 - September 8, 2015