Nelson Reed Jr

It is with profound sadness and humble gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved Nelson Reed Jr., who departed this world on March 9, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on July 14, 1944, in the heart of Mississippi, Nelson was the cherished son of Nelson Reed Sr. and Annie May Bullock Reed. He was a beacon of strength and kindness, whose life was defined by his unwavering love for family, dedication to his work, and passion for the simple joys of life. Nelson's journey began in the vibrant community of Belzoni, Mississippi, where he learned the values of hard work and resilience from his parents. He was the proud brother of a large family, preceded in death by his parents and siblings Isaac, Charlie, Allen, Timothy, Eddie, Florence, and Mary. His surviving siblings, Amos Reed and Hilda Mae Walson of Belzoni, Mississippi, Minnie Reed Brown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Annette Giles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Michael Reed of Montebello, California, remember him as a devoted brother who always had a smile to share and a story to tell. A proud graduate of Perry High School in 1964, Nelson answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force the same year. His service from 1964 to 1968 instilled in him a deep sense of duty and discipline which he carried throughout his life. After his military service, Nelson embarked on a successful career as a mechanical engineer at The Boeing Company. His colleagues recall his meticulous attention to detail and innovative spirit that contributed greatly to the field. His professional achievements were a testament to his commitment to excellence and his dedication to advancing technology. Nelson's personal life was filled with love and joy. He was a devoted husband to his dear wives, the late Theresa (Tito) Reed and later to Gloria Paschel, with whom he shared years of happiness and partnership. His children, Shauntel (James) Richardson of Jersey City, New Jersey, Nelson (Charisma) Reed III of Cerritos, California, and Keyana Reed of Los Angeles, California, were the lights of his life. They carry forward his legacy of kindness, integrity, and compassion. As a grandfather, Nelson delighted in the company of his grandchildren, Raquel-Anna (Dakota) Garcia and Alexander Garcia, sharing with them his passion for life and his love of sports. He was a fervent fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Lakers, often found cheering enthusiastically for his teams surrounded by family and friends. Nelson's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to special nieces of love, Lisa Riley, Chanel Smith, Debra Smith, Cora/Pennie Primos, Felicia Walson, and the late Sonya Bullock and Tanya Franklin, who brought joy to his life and shared in his journey. A celebration of Nelson's life will be held on March 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM at McKay's South Bay Mortuary Marine Chapel, located at 3918 Marine Ave, Lawndale, CA 90260. We invite all who knew him to join us in honoring his life and the wonderful memories he leaves behind. In these moments of sorrow, we find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from our friends and community. We express our deep gratitude to everyone who has reached out with kindness and sympathy during this difficult time. Nelson Reed Jr.'s legacy is one of love, dedication, and resilience. His spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. As we say goodbye, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.