Herbert Lee Reed

Herbert Lee Reed was born on June 17, 1940, in Forest, Mississippi, to Nina Ruth Johnson and William Charles (W.C.) Reed both of whom preceded him in death. After battling chronic illness Herbert passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, surrounded by the care and love of family in his final moments.

Herbert's childhood journey led him from Forest Mississippi to Toledo, Ohio, where he grew up. Herbert attended Libbey High School. On April 13, 1965, Herbert was inducted to serve his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division. His bravery earned him the Purple Heart after being wounded in action along with other awards of decorations, medals, badges, citations and ribbons. Herbert was honorably discharged on April 12, 1967. Herbert’s dedication and service to his country remain a cherished part of his legacy.

Following his military service, Herbert moved to Memphis, TN after which he returned to Toledo, Ohio before finally settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Herbert worked as a U.S. Department of Energy employee at the Nevada Test Site in Nye County, NV. Herbert worked at the Desert Inn Casino for many years. Herbert also worked for and ultimately retired from the State of Nevada.

Herbert's work ethic and commitment were hallmarks of his life, values that he often spoke of and shared with others. His famed statement: "CONVERSATION IS EDUCATION" reflects his belief that communication is a key method of learning.

Herbert was a member of True Love Missionary Baptist Church for many years.

Herbert was the eldest of seven siblings. He is survived by his brothers Tyrone Reed and Donald Reed (Latoya), and his sister Brenda Faye Reed. He was preceded in death by his siblings Shirley Ann Reed-Womack, Matthew (Bae-Bae) Reed, Vicky Lynn Reed, and Lois Marie Reed.

Herbert leaves behind a large, loving family to cherish his memory. He is survived by his eight children, each of whom he shared a loving yet uniquely distinct relationship, making each bond special in its own way, Anthony D. Reed, Angela D. Reed, Kyle Heckard, Lewanna Rankin, Herbert L. Reed, Nichelle J. Reed, Toi P. Reed, and Lakenya Reed-Martinez (Danny).

In addition, Herbert leaves Patricia Hicks behind to mourn his loss and his beloved niece, Delonda Reed, who held a special place in his heart.

Herbert had twenty-one grandchildren, he was preceded in death by three grandchildren: Christian Cooper, Devin Kristofer Reed and Kemonte Reed. Herbert's legacy continues through eighteen of his grandchildren: Antonio Reed, Alyscia Clay, Rickey (Rico) McVay, Ashle Clay-Ruffin (Ronald), Shayne Heckard-Banks, Shante Rankin, Kiara Reed, Ariree Reed, Kylee Reed, Domenic Reed, Braylan Reed, Courtney Reed, Brionne Lightsey, Tyron Henry, Jalen Reed, Cortez Henry, Ke'Maurie Reed, and Ke'Mourah Martinez.

Herbert is also survived by his seventeen great-grandchildren: Cortlyn Polk, Brianna Reed, Daiton Williams, Rickey McVay, Dallas Freeman, Reanna Moya, Emani Rankin, Brylen Rankin, Ja'si Rankin, KoriBailey Presley, Kenyon Mcvay, Justice Ruffin, Kash Ruffin, Nori Flemons, Nasir Flemons, Drew Stark and Major Reed, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends.