James Lee Reed was born April 26, 1941 to George Franklin Reed and Fay Hall Reed at Myrtle, Missouri. He passed from this life in his home March 5, 2021 at 79 years old.
He is survived by his wife, Elfa Rosalee Reed; a son, Jarvis Lee Reed and wife Kelli; son-in-law, Dean Bennett and wife Remona; grandson, Derrick Bennett and wife Tricia and their daughters Katherine, Hailey, and Karen; granddaughters, Katelynn Adams and husband Brandon and their daughters Emmarie, Renleigh, and Olivia LaRue, Sara Johnson and husband Jayden and their sons Jarron Reed and Cade, and Cassie Springer; Dale Lee Reed and wife Lee Ann and their son Chris Reed and wife Kelli, daughter Nicole Lafferty and husband Jason, and their children; other relatives; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen LaRue Bennett; and his parents, George and Fay Hall Reed.
James Lee and Rosalee were united in marriage on July 6, 1958 and were married over 62 years.
He was a preacher, dairy and livestock farmer, and businessman. He served as a little league coach, school board member, the Moderator of the Cave Springs and Mo-Ark Free Will Baptist Associations, pastored several churches, and was a political committeeman. He was a very hardworking and personally driven person that would always make time for those who needed a listening ear or advice. He was a thinker and truly wanted those he cared about to succeed.
James will truly be missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services for James Lee Reed will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Jarvis Reed officiating.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 8, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will be on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Dalton, Arkansas south of Myrtle, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
March 6, 2021 @ 6:09 pm
Brother Reed was our preacher when I was a kid. He was such awesome man. Heaven should is feel very lucky to have such a true Christian that Brother Reed was. I know he is in Heaven singing with all of God’s Angels ?.
Rest in Peace, Brother James Lee Reed
March 7, 2021 @ 11:02 am
I have known James lee since before we started to first grade. we have always been good friends. The last several years we have visited in their home. It was always a great joy to spend time with them. James Lee you will be missed. Only God knows all you have accomplished for the kingdom of GOD.
WILMA RUSHING
March 7, 2021 @ 12:32 pm
The world has lost a great man. James Lee was a friend to me and always to everyone he met. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. Roselee, Karen and Jarvis just so sorry. James Lee worked with the Williams family at PM Cleaners at Thayer when Dad owned it. Personal man of God to all. His health his not been good for sometime, and so he is at peace now. We are left for mourn his passing and honor him as we conduct our lives. Jarvis, thank you again for presiding at my brothers Boyd’s funeral just short of one year. Just wanted to say you all have my deepest sympathy.
March 8, 2021 @ 7:51 am
Rosalee and the family of James Lee. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Although it has been years since we’ve seen each other I’ve always considered your family as friends. Dad and mom dearly loved the Reed family. May our Loving God fill the void with His Love.
March 8, 2021 @ 3:59 pm
Rosalee, so sorry for your families loss! I always enjoyed waiting on James while working at the bank! May you have peace a comfort in the days ahead! Prayers for you all!??
March 8, 2021 @ 7:45 pm
So sorry for the family, I hated to hear of James Lee’s passing. I think of you all often as I remember the many times I would stop by the shop and talking to Rosalee or James would brighten my day. James Lee could always come up with some way to fix things even if he could not order the part. That’s a dying breed right there. I sure feel privileged to have known your family and really did enjoy visiting with both of you when I could stop by. You all are in my thoughts and prayers, and thinking of you too, Jarvis and Kelli.
March 8, 2021 @ 8:30 pm
Thinking of your family, may you feel God’s arms wrapped around you. May the times you’ve shared, the memories you made bring comfort to you.
Sending prayers for your family
March 8, 2021 @ 9:01 pm
Rosalee I am sorry to hear of James Lee’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You both were special classmates and we have fond memories of our class reunions.May God comfort you at this very difficult time.
March 9, 2021 @ 11:16 am
Rosalee and family we are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed hearing James Lee preach and visiting with both of you when we saw you in town and at quarterly meetings and revivals. Our loss is heavens gain. May God wrap his loving arms around you and grant you peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.