Ray F. Reed, a retired Dallas firefighter of 33 years, passed away due to COVID-19 at the age of 74 in Georgetown, Texas.
Ray was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on April 19, 1946 to the late Wayne and Jeanne (Francis) Reed. He graduated from Harrisburg Township High School with the Class of 1964.
He went on to receive his BA in biology and chemistry before attending Duke University. He was then drafted into the Army as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam Houston where he met his wife Carolyn. They were married on April 14, 1973 and have been happily married for 48 memorable years.
He later received an Army Commendation medal for his work establishing their Physicians Assistant program. In 1980, Ray received his Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Ray began his career in 1970, at the Dallas Fire Department, as a paramedic and was soon recognized as "Paramedic of the Year." He made his Hollywood debut as a paramedic "extra" in the famous "Dallas" episode "Who Shot J. R.?"
He went on to serve for over 33 years at Stations 33 and 14 before eventually retiring in 2007 as a Battalion Chief. Ray also served as president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association for 10 years.
He had a passion for firefighting, traveling, popcorn, spending time with family, and serving others. His legacy as a devoted husband, loving father, active grandpa, public servant, and steadfast believer of Christ is what he will be remembered for most.
Ray is survived by his wife, Carolyn Reed; his son, Michael Reed; daughter, Amber and husband Barry Cox; and daughter, Jennifer and husband B.J. Symons, all of Texas; brothers, Ron Reed and wife Melanie, and Randy Reed and wife Beverly, of Harrisburg; beloved grandkids, Heather, Taylor, Bailey, Brayden, Brylee, Slade and Jett; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Jeanne Reed.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 8 at Longbranch Community Baptist Church in Midlothian, Texas. The Rev. Ron Reed and the Rev. Herb Pederson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery.
Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home of Georgetown, Texas is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Dallas Fire Fighter's Association Emergency Relief Fund for Firefighters or the Christian Fire Fighters Association. (Please note on check for "Line of Duty Memorial Service")
Addresses are: Local 58 Relief Fund, The Dallas Firefighter's Association, 10956 Audelia Road, Dallas, TX 75226 or Christian Firefighters Association, 155 Baylor St., Dallas, TX 75234.
