Obituary of Philip David Reed

Philip "Phil" David Reed, 62, of Columbia died Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Agape Hospice House in Columbia. Born in Florence, SC, on September 11, 1953, he was a son of Rev. J. O. "Joe" Reed, Jr. and the late Mary Duke McLeod Reed. He was a member of First Baptist Church of West Columbia where he loved singing bass in the choir. He also sang with the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir. His greatest joy in life was singing, no matter where, from riding down the road in the car, through high school and college, to Sunday mornings at church, to singing at mass conducted by Pope John-Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 2007. Phil graduated from Middleton High School in Charleston and North Greenville University and attended University of South Carolina. Highlights of his career include Lynhaven Career Center, Congaree National Monument, and Medical Services of America. He was, like so many Reed men, a good carpenter and all-around handyman. He always enjoyed fishing and cooking. Every Christmas for many years he would grow his beard longer than usual and don his Santa outfit, much to the enjoyment of friends, family, and coworkers. And those jokes … corny as could be! Phil is survived by his father Joe Reed of West Columbia; one sister, Marilyn Reed Thomson (David) of Columbia; one brother, Pete Reed (Anne) of Arlington, VA; and a host of nieces and nephews, many cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Duke McLeod Reed; one sister, Ellen Reed Fuseler (Henry); and two brothers, John O. Reed III (Gwen), and James M. "Jim" Reed (Jeanne). Phil's desire was to be cremated with his ashes scattered in the Congaree Swamp. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church of West Columbia followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Music Program at First Baptist Church of West Columbia, 400 State St., W. Columbia, SC 29169. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of arrangements.