Joel Leslie Reid, 84, died Tues., October 11, 2011 at his home, with his family at his side. The son of John and Martha Reid. Joel was born Sept. 3, 1927, in Izzard County, Arkansas. He was united in marriage to, Maxine Newman, the love of his life, in 1950.
A devoted Christian man, Joel was active in the Church of God his entire life. He leaves behind a legacy of countless lives touched by his Christian ministry. He was a founding member of the Walnut Lawn Church of God and most recently attended the First Church of God in Springfield.
Joel graduated from West Plains High School, where he was a talented athlete in football and basketball. He attended Southwest Missouri State College.
Joel spent his entire career in the grocery business, starting at R.V. Hayes Grocery in West Plains, MO . After a 25 year career with Springfield Grocers, he retired in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Linda Smith and husband, Roger, Karen Scott, and husband David, of Springfield, and a son Randy of Denver, CO; grandchildren who were the light of his life Andrew Smith, Springfield, Anna Smith, St. Louis, Sara Scott, Denver, CO, Dave Scott, Springfield, Leslie Reid Rusher, Denver, CO and Brooks Reid, Houston, TX and a great-granddaughter Brooklyn, Houston, TX.
He will be remembered by his family as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. We give thanks to God for the gift of Joel’s life to his family and many friends and for his life of faithful witness to God and service to others.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Elmore, and sisters Kathleen Franks and Imogene Halford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lost & Found Grief Center or the First Church of God Building Fund.
Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:00-8:00 at Greenlawn East. A celebration of Joel’s life will be at11:00 Fri., Oct. 14 at Greenlawn East.