William H. (Bill) Reed
Published 8:36 pm Saturday, February 17, 2018
William H. (Bill) Reed, Captain, SC, USN, retired, of Smithfield passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2018 surrounded by his children.
Bill was born July 17, 1938, in Grosse Pointe, Mich. to Howard and Dorothy Reed. He grew up in Bay Village, Ohio. He attended Bay High School and Edwin Denby High School, Detroit, Mich. In 1961, he graduated from the University of Michigan and was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps. It was while at the U of M he met Margo Miller, a student at Michigan State University. They were married June 1961. Margo was his beloved, devoted wife and loving companion of 49 years, who passed away in 2010.
Bill’s active duty Navy assignments included Newport, R.I.; Norfolk; Honolulu, Hawaii; Washington D.C.; Monterey and Alameda, Calif.; Athens, Ga.; Mayport, Fla.; San Diego and Oakland, Calif.; Territory of Guam, and Arlington. His duties at sea included supply officer, USS Hartley (DE-1029); assistant supply officer, USS Ranger (CV-61); and supply officer, USS Saratoga (CV-60). In addition, he was honored to be the commanding officer of the Naval Supply Depot Guam from 1984-1986. Due to his extensive association and duty involving aviation logistics support, he was designated as a naval aviation supply officer. His personal military decorations include two awards of the Legion of Merit, five awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Captain Reed retired in 1991 after 30 years of service to his country.
In retirement, Bill and Margo moved to Smithfield in 1998 and resided in Gatling Pointe, where they enjoyed an active social life with dear friends. Bill is survived by his loving children; daughter, Susan and husband Greg Page of Smithfield; daughter, Lisa, and husband Don Simmons of Smithfield; and son, David, and wife Jennifer of Centreville. He is the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His grandchildren are Evin Page Greensfelder, married to Jeffrey Greensfelder, Zachary Page, Carter Page, Rachael Simmons, Ansley Simmons, engaged to Sammy Blum, Reed Simmons, Rebecca Reed, and great granddaughter, Margot Greensfelder. Bill is also survived by his older brother, Robert Reed of Portland, Ore., and younger brother, Albert Reed of St. Clair Shores, Mich.
A service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield on Monday, Feb. 19 at noon. At a later time, Bill and Margo’s remains will be transferred to Arlington National Cemetery.
Bill was committed to ensuring the maintenance and care of the rose garden in front of Christ Episcopal Church in memory of his wife. Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be welcome for the perpetual care of the garden in memory of his everlasting love for Margo. Condolences may be registered online at www.littlesfuneralhome.com