Reed, Walter Arnold
On Friday, February 24, 2006, Walter Arnold Reed, of Floyd, gave up his 14 year battle with thyroid cancer and when the Lord called, “Come on home”, he answered his call.
He put aside his fiddle and bow along with the other instruments he so enjoyed, to be passed on to his children to carry on our musical heritage. His loving care and support of his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson was above measure. His love and care for his pets and all animals gave him great comfort and study of wildlife was also favorite tasks in his everyday life.
He has passed on his Christian love for others, his musical talents and love for life and family and friends. Music was a driving force in his life and his family. It was enjoyment and fun, but also praise through the many wonderful songs of love. It was therapy for us and others who were musician friends. The ones we played for in the nursing homes always were so appreciative and loving. A legacy of love, caring, music, giving and wonderful memories sustain us now.
A vicious killer crept in our lives, but he fought a good fight with the help of so many others. Now with aching hearts, this agonizing battle is finished, but we will go on knowing everything is in God’s hands and in his time. His care is now committed to his loving Lord, where he awaits us to follow.
God gave us so much for which we all are so thankful. We want to thank so many who have helped us through this. There are so many friends, family, healthcare professionals, and many others much too numerous to name. They are all so precious to us, and know who they are.
Walter was born on Jan 18, 1930 to Homer and Ollie Duncan Reed, who had gone on to await him. He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Ava Noel Conner; brothers Robert Reed and Paul Reed; sister Amanda Reed.
He is survived by his wife of 51 ? years, Erma Phillips Reed; his Son Phillip Reed and wife Susan of Catawba, Va.; his daughters Sharon and Donnie Cox of Willis, Donna and John Wikstrom of Christiansburg; granddaughters, Amanda and Greg Conner of Willis, Alicia and Jason Slaughter of Radford. A stepgrandson Chris Wikstrom of Christiansburg. Also his great-grandson, Luke Conner of Willis; two sisters, Pattie and Edsel Duncan and Virgie Sutphin all of Floyd; many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle very much, and will miss him, also.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday February 27, 2006 at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd.
This tribute was written by his Son…. Our Father spent his entire life thinking only of how he could help his family and friends. He always put others first, with no regard for himself or his own comfort. He was the most selfless person I have ever known-Phillip Reed 2/24/2006.