William Leighton Reed
MEMPHIS, TN - On Thursday, April 14th, 2022, William Leighton Reed (Bill Reed), loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 85.
He was born on October 9th, 1936 in Jackson, Tennessee, to Aubrey and Ruth Reed. After highschool he joined the US Army and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. William attended Rhodes College in Memphis, where he played football and was on the student council.
After college, William moved to Marks, Mississippi to work for William King Self at Riverside Industries for many years. William King became a dear and close friend to William and in many ways was a role model. While Living in the Delta, Billy developed a deep love for the people, music, and literature of the region. His love of the region shaped his identity and brought him great joy.
In 1968, William moved back to Memphis and was in the real estate development and construction business. His projects included Harris Cove, Harris Estates, Shiloh Subdivision, Peterson Lake Gardens, The Woods, Dove Valley, Mckellar Woods Village, Highland Court, West Cherry Place, Harbor Town, 4 Residence Inns by Marriott and The Laurelwood Collection of Memphis. William loved playing tennis and squash with his friends; he also was a founding member of his book club. For over 50 years, he cherished monthly dinners with book club friends. At 80 he published his first book of poetry titled “Messages to Lelia,” which received critical praise.
William was a former trustee of St Mary’s Episcopal School and president of the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. His deep care for people and desire to be an instrument of peace led him to many volunteer pursuits. He delighted in returning to his grade school, Springdale Elementary, to share his love of letters as a reading tutor. The last 15 years of his life were largely dedicated to nurturing and supporting the growth of “The Way”, a service of recovery based on The Beatitudes and the 12-Steps Program offered at St John’s United Methodist Church. He was also an avid Memphis Grizzlies fan. For those who knew and loved him, he will always be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.
His beloved wife, Susan Sanford Reed, preceded him in death. William’s brother, Fred K. Reed, also preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving children Virginia Reed Murphy (Joseph) and William Leighton Reed III, grandsons Abel Gesar Murphy and Harlan Cash Murphy and by his sisters, Becky Deupree (William) and Jeanie Alexander (William) of Memphis; step daughters Julie of Memphis and Jill Sanford Burrows (Arron) and two step granddaughters, Poppy and Elsie Burrows.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 19th, 2022 at St. John’s United Methodist Church at 2 o’clock p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church / The Way Service of Recovery at 1207 Peabody Ave/ 38014/ 901-726-4104 or a place of the donor’s choice.