Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Lee Reed, 79, from Charleston, WV. Gary passed away unexpectedly December 23, 2025, at home in the arms of his wife, Gerry, and son, Jonathyn. We lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, but he is now with his Lord and Savior rejoicing in Heaven.

Gary brought love, light and laughter everywhere he went. Gary had a sweet soul and a giving heart. He and his wife, Gerry, had an endless love for one another and as he said, “A love that will last through eternity.” His son, Jonathyn, brought him so much love and comfort. He often referred to him as his IT man because he was always in need of a device or three fixed. His love for his children was unmatched and he was devoted to them and their happiness through the end. He gave to many charities to help people less fortunate than himself. He had love and compassion for all animals, his cherished dog Clapton, the birds, and the many deer that came to the backyard. He was always buying apples for the deer and making up his concoction for the hummingbirds to make sure they were never hungry. Gary’s welcoming smile and generosity always made an impression on everyone. He loved his family enormously. In their younger years when the grandchildren visited, he would tape lights all over the door and ceiling, they thought they were in a fairy land!

He retired from PEIA as an insurance advocate.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry Lee Reed, the love of his life and best friend of 47 years, her love and laughter brought him so much joy throughout their wonderful life together. He is also survived by his son, Jonathyn Michael Reed, Charlotte, NC; daughters, Tiata Kaye Atkins (Sean), Savannah, GA, and Kimberly Lynn Reed, St Albans, WV; his cherished Grandchildren; Dalton Emery Clark, Cullen Reed Atkins and Ivey Caroline Atkins; all from Savannah; and his sidekick; best buddy and constant companion, Sir Eric Clapton, and brother; Michael Reed of Sissonville, WV.

He had a circle of best friends that he cherished for all the love, joy, laughter and support they gave us. My love and heartfelt thanks to John Nelson, Donald Dunlap, Wanda Tribbie and Lee Runyon for filling his life with so much happiness and fun times. Also, thanks goes to Dr Harry Duncan for being a lifelong friend and always showing love and compassion, Kim Chapman for always being there for us, and Dr Robert Johnston for taking such good care of him and his comforting call on Gary’s passing. He was also so blessed to have found his church family at Oakwood Baptist Church. He was so at peace when we were there, thank you to everyone there that welcomed us with open arms. We found our church on a sunny Summer day, we were driving around looking at the many churches in our area when Gary said, there is a church right across from Fruth Pharmacy, so we’ve up there and walked to the front doors, the door was open so we walked right in to the sanctuary, we saying Hello, Hello, no one was there, so we sat down in the pew and looked around and we both said, this is our church, I called the church when I got home and a lovely lady named Debbie answered and I told her my story. She said workers were there that day which is why we got in and God was there and answered, which is why we chose our church. We were blessed that day.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Oakwood Baptist Church, 855 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV 25314 with Pastor David Moutz officiating.

Visitation will begin one hour prior at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s honor and memory may be made to the Kanawha Humane Association

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.