CDR William Scott Reed, Jr., USN Ret. was born on June 24, 1947 in Lancaster, PA to the late William Reed, Sr. and Ann Mae Gross Barker. Bill grew up in Red Lion PA where he was a Scholar Athlete. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1969 with a BS in Business Logistics. He completed an MS in Business Administration at Golden Gate University in 1984 and an MS in Education at Old Dominion University in 1995. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, CA.
Bill enlisted in the US Navy/ Ready Reserves in Dec. 1968, and completed Officer Candidate School in 1969, and Flight School at Pensacola, FL in 1971 where he received his “wings of gold”. Over a 23-year military career he served as a helicopter pilot, flight instructor and administrator in various squadrons and duty stations: HC-6, HSL- 30, HSL-34, and the Naval Military Personnel Command. He completed his military career at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk VA with tours as a faculty member and retired as the XO of the facility in 1992.
In 1995 Bill began his second career as an Elementary teacher in the Chesapeake Public Schools system. He spent those years at Carver Elementary and Truitt Intermediate where he was the Teacher of the Year for 2002. He retired from the schools in 2013.
Bill passed away Thursday July 27, 2023, lovingly surrounded by family, after a courageous 8-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn Clarke Reed, his children Jonathan and Amanda, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara Jane and Charles “Nicky’ Seitz, his loving in-laws and ‘outlaws’ Roger Cackovic, Joe and Julie Smith, Billy Clarke, Tom Clarke and Justine, Mary and Bob Brown, 25 nieces and nephews and his fur babies Cora and Bailey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepparents Helen Reed and Roy Barker, his mother and father-in-law Mary and Bill Clarke his sister-in-law Alice Cackovic and brother-in-law Gene Clarke.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 17 at 11:00 am at Hickory United Methodist Church. Burial with full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.
Bill lived a full life and gave fully to those in need. His last act was to participate in a clinical trial to find a cure for advanced prostate cancer. He had requested that memorial donations be made to your favorite animal shelter or Veterans charity. Express condolences to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas”
***** Friends and family are welcome to watch the services live on our webpage by clicking on the box below or on Hickory UMC’s YouTube page. A link for the church’s live steam can be found on their webpage at www.hickoryumc.org. *****
Bill was a great classmate and friend. He always had a bright future and many friends. Bill will be missed by all who had the luck to know him.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great classmate and I knew he would go far and be a special person. Prayers to the family for peace and strength.
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. What a loving tribute for an admirable man whose life made a lasting, positive difference to many students, colleagues and friends. With sympathy and prayers during this sad time.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing at such a young age. He was the Officer In Charge of our helicopter detachment on the USS Capodanno’s Mediterranean cruise in 1979. LCDR Reed coordinated the underway transfer of our detachment from the Capodanno to the USS Spruance, a logistic nightmare! We then cruised through the Black Sea conducting flight operations in the most challenging winter weather conditions, all under the watchful eye of the Soviet Navy. Upon completion, we once again transferred back, underway, to the USS Capodanno to complete our 7 month deployment. Lynn and I send our sincere condolences to Kathy and family.
I haven’t thought about Bill Reed in a long while. I only knew him for a short time in the early 80s when I was a new boot ensign at HSL-30. He was my department head and he stood out from the other officers in the wardroom, in that he put a lot of time into teaching me what I needed to know as a new JO. I had one of the worst flights of my career as Bill’s co-pilot. It was an instrument check ride for me and I was horrible. Bill could’ve really hammered me, but instead he was supportive and encouraging and I went on to do well in my own career. I’ll always be grateful to him and I am so sad to learn of his passing. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I truly enjoyed working with him at both Carver and Truitt at Chesapeake Public Schools. May the beautiful memories you have made together bring some comfort during this difficult time.
Bill was an amazing man. He was an awesome teacher to my son of 2 yrs while teaching at Truitt intermediate school. He made an impact on my sons life as a true mentor. He was a true friend to me when in need to talk to someone. He will truly missed. S.I.P Bill.
I’ve rarely met a more kind, genuine, and compassionate teacher and colleague. What an honor to have taught alongside Bill at our beloved Truitt. He loved to share his sheer joy in singing which served too, to exemplify his love of his country. We are all better people to have known him!
I am so heartbroken to know of Bill’s passing. He was a great friend and a wonderful mentor. My heart goes out to Kathy and his children.
I was incredibly lucky to know Bill and Kathi Reed my whole life, and to count the Reeds as chosen family. They have been tremendous friends to my parents, and us (now grown) kids for decades, through joyful times and hard times alike. My heart is with Mrs. Reed and Amanda and Jonathan. Bill Reed was a diamond human and a diamond public servant. I’ll remember him and his warm smile always.