Eddie Reed

Published in the Great Falls Tribune from 1/26/2009 - 1/27/2009

Eddie Reed, 79, of Great Falls, a former professional baseball player and Army veteran, died Sunday at his home following a long illness.

His funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Lawn Chapel, with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Eddie Reed was born Oct. 12, 1929, in Straven, Ala., to Mary and Jessie Reed. He graduated from Shelby County Training School in 1948 and joined the Army in 1950.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Eddie began his professional baseball career. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons and Memphis Red Sox in the Negro American League. He also played for a number of teams in the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations.

In 1955, he married Eva Hudson at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana, Ala., and in 1958 moved to Great Falls to play baseball with the Great Falls Electrics.

After retiring from baseball, Eddie worked for the Paris of Montana and Town & Ranch Self Service Furniture. He was a 22-year employee of Town & Ranch Self Service Furniture and retired in 1990.

Eddie's interests diverse and varied; he belonged to a number of organizations and clubs. Eddie was a member of AME Union Bethel Church, a Past Master of the Masonic Northern Lights Lodge 8 AF&AM (PHA), played in pool leagues, bowled in leagues, coached Little League Baseball and loved to hunt and fish.

Eddie was a loving husband, great father, and wonderful friend. He will be missed by many people.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Reed of Great Falls, Dexter (Ann) Reed of Portland, Ore., Mary Reed of Altadena, Calif., Mark Reed of Houston, Monica Reed and John (Kristi) Reed of Missoula; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Reed; his mother and father, Mary and Jessie Reed; and sisters Jessie Mae and Leola.

Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405; Sletten Cancer Institute, 1117 29th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405; or the Union Bethel AME Church Building Fund, 916 5th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.

Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.