Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Joe Richard Reed, The Villages, FL, passed away on September 26th at Cornerstone Hospice House in the Villages, FL. Joe is survived by his wife Patricia, his children: Michelle Reed Lehman, Jason Reed, Kelly Benfer Sagerer, Scott Benfer Sr. and David Benfer, thirteen grandchildren: Malerie and Hayden Lehman; Jaden, Ben and Alexis Reed; Emma, Hunter and Charlie Sagerer; Samuel, David, Jack, Holly and Scott Benfer Jr, and his brother, Bert Reed. He was the son of the late Robert Edward and Fanny Sorrow Reed of Burlington/Efland, NC and the brother of the late Bobby Reed, Jr. of Smithfield, NC. Joe was born 12/16/39 in Winder, GA but spent most of his childhood in Smithfield, NC. He graduated from Smithfield High School in 1958 and joined the US Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne. In 1968, Joe graduated from NC State with a degree in Parks and Recreation. He spent most of his career as the Superintendent of Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove Twp, NJ. Joe met the love of his life, Patricia Corrigan Benfer, a 3rd grade school teacher at Olivet Elementary School, and in 1985, they were married at Parvin State Park. Not only did Joe and Pat put two broken families together and create a home for their children, they have been a shining example of what true love should be to their children and grandchildren. Pat and Joe retired to the Villages in 1998 and have lived there happily ever since. In retirement, Joe loved golfing, reading, genealogy, and travel. Joe served as Worshipful Master of the Elmer, NJ Masonic Lodge #160 in 1980. He was also a member of the Excelsior Consistory AASR and the Nur Shriners Temple in New Castle, DE. A celebration of Joe’s life is scheduled for Sunday, October 4th at Hiers-Baxley funeral home in the Villages. Friends can call from 1 – 2 p.m, with a service to be held from 2 –  3 p.m. Joe will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Condolences can be sent to joereed.family@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lady Lake United Methodist Church at ladylakeumc.com.
