Reed, Joseph Elwood
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
On November 5, 2017, Joseph Elwood Reed departed his earthly pilgrimage.
Joseph was born July 16, 1947, at Radford Community Hospital to Charles William Reed and Alice Flynn Reed.
Joseph began his education at Calfee Training School, Pulaski, Virginia and Christiansburg Institute, Christiansburg, Virginia (Class of 1965). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at St. Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, Virginia and a Master of Science from Radford College, Radford, Virginia. In addition, he completed graduate work at University of Virginia, Charlottesville and V.P.I. Blacksburg, Virginia.
Joseph was a member of Randolph Avenue United Methodist Church, Pulaski, Virginia, where over the years he served as Superintendent of Sunday School, Trustee, a member of the Financial Committee, the Kitchen Committee, PPR, the Methodist Men, Vision 2000 Committee and any place else he was asked.
Joseph was Past Master and Secretary of Pulaski Masonic Lodge #154 and St. John’s #35. He served on the Board of Directors of the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley; as a member and twice Chairperson of the Pulaski County Library Board; President of the Pulaski County Branch of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); a member of the Emergency Need Task Force, serving as both Vice-Chairperson and Chairperson; Vice- Chairperson of the Town of Pulaski Recreation Commission; a member of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Community Attitude Quality of Life committee; a member and Secretary of the New River Valley Progressive Men’s Club; a two term member of the New River Community College Board of Directors and a volunteer at the Ratcliffe Transportation Museum, Pulaski, Virginia. Last, and by no means least, in his heart he (Que-Dog) was and will always be a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Joseph was a classroom teacher and administrator in the Pulaski County School System for 47 years and for one year in Radford, Virginia. He was employed as Principal of Northwood Elementary, Dublin Primary, Pulaski Middle, Fairlawn Cooperative Transition Program, Newbern Elementary and Interim Principal of Pulaski County High School.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his fiancée, Kim M. Edmonds; three daughters, Tamara (Samuel) Hopkins, Samantha Reed and Esther Miller; three grandsons, Baashir I. Mitchell and Jaiden B. Edmonds; aunts, Nora Flynn and Agnes Flynn; three godchildren, Ray and Regina Lewis and Noah Wright; a special cousin, Rosemary (James) Hodges and other relatives and friends.
Mr. Reed requests there not be a funeral, memorial or graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Randolph Avenue United Methodist Church, 1607 Randolph Avenue, Pulaski, Virginia 24301 or the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road #106, Roanoke, Virginia 24018.
He extends his love, appreciation and gracious farewell to his family, friends, associates, brothers (Masonic & Omega (Ques), neighbors, colleagues, former students and many supporters in the community as he says good-bye.
Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.
November 7, 2017 @ 5:36 pm
Our deepest sympathies to Joe’s family (Our very special Que Dog). He was a true to blessing to so many especially all of the children’s lives he touched. There was never a single moment any of us can recall that we saw him without a smile or heard his laughter. This man shall be missed greatly by so many.
November 7, 2017 @ 6:22 pm
So sorry to hear this. Joe was a wonderful volunteer and friend to everyone at the Ratcliffe Museum.
November 7, 2017 @ 7:22 pm
Kim I’m so sorry for your loss. Will always remember his jokes…
November 7, 2017 @ 8:24 pm
So sorry about his passing-I enjoyed volunteering with him at the museum-he was always entertaining!
November 7, 2017 @ 8:29 pm
My kids loved him at Newbern Elementary. His laugh and zest for life were contagious. The kids loved his “comb” for a bald man and the special lunches with the principal. He was their favorite through all of their school years. Heaven has gained an amazing man.
November 7, 2017 @ 8:50 pm
I worked with Mr. Reed at Northwood Elementary and also when I did long term work at PCHS. He was such a wonderful principal and a fun man to be around! He lit up whatever room he walked into! Mr. Reed will certainly be missed, but I know Heaven has gained a new angel to entertain everyone!
November 7, 2017 @ 9:50 pm
There was never a dull moment when he would come eat at the steer house ,will miss him very much..
November 7, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
Saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Reed. He was a great guy. Always had an encouraging word. -RIP Que Dog
November 7, 2017 @ 9:54 pm
Deepest sympathies for all families and friends! Very shocking and sad news 😢 Best principal by far I ever had at Pulaski Middle School. He was a very kind yet firm and fair man. May he Rest In Peace 💙
November 7, 2017 @ 10:18 pm
Joe. Was a friend, I am a retired Teacher and I had the utmost respect for Joe. He was a true educator was always wanting the best for students. He had the ability to make most people want to excel because they did not want to let him down. He was humorous, kind and you knew he carried. I will miss his warmth and kindness he brought into most situations. Rest In Peace, proud to have had you as a friend and honored to be able to call him my friend. Caudell
November 8, 2017 @ 2:47 am
I knew Mr Reed all through school and he will truly be missed by so many. He always loved his students and friends and always had encouraging words for all. Prayers for his family and friends.
November 8, 2017 @ 10:03 am
Well done thou good and faithful servant enter in the joy of The Lord is what we all want to hear The Lord say, you have been faithful over a few, absent from the body present with The Lord, you were born to do what you have done and did it well, God Bless the family and praying for you all….
November 8, 2017 @ 10:18 am
Mr. Reed was my teacher in middle school. He was a great man and a wonderful teacher.
November 8, 2017 @ 11:48 am
My deepest sympathy to Joe’s family. Kim you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
November 8, 2017 @ 1:43 pm
Our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and heartfelt sympathy for Kim. We knew Joe all of our lives as we grew up on Magazine Street. Joe was always around when we visited our hometown and he never changed throughout the years. I know his loved ones will miss miss him dearly. I pray that you can find comfort in knowing that he suffers no more and he takes his place in heaven by his beloved mother Ms. Alice and so many friends from Magazine St who went on before him. He will be in good company resting with the lord.
November 8, 2017 @ 2:40 pm
This made me very sad but I’m glad he is at peace right now and can be up there dancing and so singing with the angels he was a very awsome man and will always be in my heart thanks for being so tuff on me when I needed it the most..
November 8, 2017 @ 3:06 pm
This man taught me a lot. He will be missed by a many of people many his friends and comerads. I will always cherish the fun times as he and I would joke around when I was sent to his office for stupid child like behaviors. Rest in paradise my friend and teacher:
November 10, 2017 @ 5:25 pm
I miss you sir. You taught me it’s ok to be a man.
Thank you sir.
November 10, 2017 @ 8:49 pm
Joe and I grew up together on Magazine Street, Pulaski 1953-1955.
We graduated from Christiansburg Institute in 1965. We were always good friends and I will miss him.
Deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. Jimmy Robinson 610-360-4137 Easton, PA 18045