Jimmy Reed, Jr.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." Psalms 23 Bro. Jimmy Reed, Jr. was born on May 25, 1940 in El Dorado, Arkansas, the son of Jimmy Lee and Leola Wysinger Reed. He was baptized at an early age and faithfully attended Olive Branch and New Bethel Baptist Churches in El Dorado, Arkansas. As an adult he united with the St. James Missionary Baptist Church where he actively and faithfully served in multiple capacities including but not limited to choir member, trustee, chariman of the board of deacons and Sunday School Supertindent. Jimmy was an honor graduate of the Washington High School Class of 1958 and attended Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff. He retired from Lion Oil Refinery(formerly Tosco0 where he worked as a Senior Asphalt Chemist and in various other capacities for 33 years. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruby Thighpen, for 46 years during which time they reared seven devoted children. A staunch advocate of personal and community responsibility, Jimmy was an active member of his community. He served on the boards of the James Johnson Boys Club, Salvation Army Advisory Council, Fair Deal Voters League, Habitat for Humanity, and Retired Senior Volunteers. He was elected member of the El Dorado School Board of Education for over 30 years, where he was past President and was awarded the distinction of Master Board Member by the Arkansas State Board Association. He was previously appointed as delegate to the State Democratic Convention and held leadership and membership positions in the El dorado Jaycees, the Pride and Progress Club and Gusher Lodge #560 Order of Elks, where he was former Exalted Ruler, Loyal Knight and Treasurer. He was also former president, vice-president and district deputy of the Arkansas Elk State Association. In 2007, he and his wife Ruby were honored by the Concerned Christians as the Black History Couple of the Year. In 2003, the El Dorado Pride and Progress Club established a tertiary scholarship fund in his honor. At the time of his death, Jimmy was serving his third term as a faithful and integral member of the El Dorado City Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings, John L., Clayburn, Jeremiah, Betty Jean, Billy Ray, and Joyce Kidd and a granddaughter, Shawanna Moore. He leaves to cherish his loving memories; his wife, Ruby Thighpen Reed of El Dorado, Arkanss; two sons, Larry Reed(Valarie) of El Dorado, Arkansas and Bruce Reed of Little Rock, Arkansas; five daughters, Ruby Moore(Ronnie) of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Susan Reed-Allen(John) of Pretoria, South Africa, Charlotte Reed-Hall(Anthony) of Atlanta, Georgia and Brittany and Whitney Reed both of El Dorado, Arkansas, a brother, Benny Reed of Little Rock, Arkansas; a special niece, Beverly Montgomery-Foster of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives, colleagues and friends. A Homegoing Celebration for Bro. Reed will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium with the Rev. Felton Burgie and Rev. John Allen officiating. Interment will follow in the Community Cemetery, Junction City, Arkansas under the direction of the Sims Mortuary Staff. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 9am-5pm. The family will receive friends at 2208 Lakeland, El Dorado, Arkansas. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jimmy Reed, Jr., please visit our flower store.