Eugene L. Reed, Sr.

Gene L. Reed "Guff," 83, of Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 8, 2016, at his home surrounded by family. Gene served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. A Research and Development and Quality Assurance Engineer for many years in the tire manufacturing industry, Gene retired from BF Goodrich/Michelin in 1991 (Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant). Gene's contributions to the industry included a patent for "Marking Radial First Harmonic High Point on a Tire" known as the "Reed Marker". An active member in the Springfield Church of the Brethren, Gene often ushered and participated in preparing church meals. An expert in electrical and mechanical systems, Gene was frequently involved in helping family, friends, and strangers with flat tires, car repairs, and home improvement projects. His love of the Chevrolet Corvette was lifelong and he owned several over the years.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, William L. Reed and Violet M. Vanetta Reed, brother Clifford O. Reed, sisters June Shepherd, Edith Skinner, Phyllis Shafer, and Clara Lybrook. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, E. Faye Razer Reed; children Christina L. Thayer (Gary), Eugene L. Reed, Jr. (Christa), and Rebecca L. Reed (Steven Waddell); grandchildren Katherine Faye Thayer Calder (Mark), Todd Jeffrey Thayer (Stephanie), Kevin Michael Thayer (Andrew), Steven Dallas Waddell, and Michael Dylan Waddell; great-grandchild Gabriel Joseph Calder; brothers William (Gladys), Elmer, Charles, Leonard (Donna); sisters in law Joyce Whitmer (Donald) and Willa Barton (Thomas); special caregiver Mary Eblen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in morning's hush,
I am the swifter uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Veterans Administration, the medical staff at Summa City Hospital, the Summa Hospice Care nurses and social workers, and the many home health aides who provided care during the past few years of his struggles with dementia.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, from 6-8pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Road, Akron, OH 44305. Funeral services will be held at Springfield Church of the Brethren, 3500 Albrecht Ave, Akron, OH 44312 on Thursday, May 12, 2016, beginning with calling hours from 10:30am until the service begins at 11am, officiated by Pastor Allen Brumbaugh. Burial will take place at Hillside Memorial Park in Akron.