Roosevelt Reed

Roosevelt (Buddy) Reed's journey through life reads like a novel. Each chapter was dedicated to the people he loved, the joys he felt, and the friends he made. The preface is dedicated to his parents, the late William and Effie Lee Reed. They initiated his journey on July 31, 1947.

Chapter one is a reflection of his beginning in Dumas, Arkansas. Buddy was the middle child of William and Effie and brother to Willie Mae, Jack (James Earl), and Maxine. Many neighbors and friends were also regarded as extended family. At an early age, Buddy accepted Christ under the tutelage of Reverend G.H. Wade at Second Baptist Church in Wabbaseka, Arkansas. By nature, he was an all-around athletic competitor, excelling in basketball at J.S. Walker High School. Not only was he an outstanding athlete, but he also exceeded scholastically by graduating as Valedictorian in 1965.

Chapter two is a reflection of his early college years at Arkansas Mechanical & Normal College (AM&N/UAPB). The first blessing of his life, Rosa, was born. With unrest at our nation's back door, Roosevelt joined the United States Air Force in 1966. During the Vietnam War, he served our country proudly as a Transportation Specialist until 1970. His outlet was starring as a basketball player for his unit which enabled him to travel the world. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

Chapter three is a reflection of his formidable years back at AM&N (now UAPB). He was a star basketball player for the Golden Lions and was affectionately called " Jumping Jack" one-half of the  "Gold Dust Twins " with former teammate Roger Davis. During this chapter, Reed made a life-long commitment to the Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service when he joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, INC. in the Spring of 1973.

Chapter four is a reflection of his heart. Upon returning to UAPB, he met and fell in love with Linda Brown. To their union, three more blessings were born: Michelle, Kimberly, and only son Jadrien. "Daddy Reed" was a loving and caring husband and father. Many people in the neighborhood (young and old) often hung around the family home to play outdoor because he was very involved in orchestrating fun activities for all to enjoy.

 Chapter five is a reflection of his life as a provider. Roosevelt worked for Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Missouri Pacific) for 27 years rising to the rank of Conductor. After leaving the railroad, he began driving cross-country until his health began to fail.

Chapter six is a reflection of his friendship with neighbors, former co­workers, childhood friends, and many others who have touched his life in so many ways the memories are too numerous to count. This chapter also means so much because he enjoyed spending his "Golden Years" laughing and loving his family and being loved in return. The many trips to and from, watching football and basketball games with grandsons, attending sporting events, art shows, and church. In 2017, Bro. Reed rededicated his life to Christ and was an active member of Oak Grove MBC under the leadership of Pastor Ira V. Crite until his health failed. 

The final chapter is yet unwritten. Taking on a new journey that the Lord has called Roosevelt to fulfill. This last chapter is to be written by each of you. It is your own reflection of how you remember him. You can remember the joy, laughter, sorrow, and pain; but most of all remember this journey is not over. 
Until we meet again, he will always be with us in our hearts and memories. 
He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife, Linda Reed; children, Rosa Reed (Bryant, AR); Michelle Johnson (Newport, AR); Kimberly Reed (Memphis, TN}; and Jadrien Reed (Houston, TX); five grandchildren, Khairan, Tyler, Cayden, Ashlan, and Jace; siblings, Willie Mae Chambers (David-Bartlesville, OK) and Maxine Reed (St. Louis, MO); special sister-in-law, Cheryl "Ping" Cross (Kevin­Newport, AR}; brothers-in-law, Garry Brown (Gloria-Newport, AR) and Craig Brown (Ann- Batesville, AR); along with a host of admiring aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

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