Gerald Delvin Reed, 84, passed away on Oct. 20, 2021, in Tyler. He was born on June 25, 1937, to J.C. and Ouida Fay Hall Reed.

Gerald grew up in Canton and graduated from Canton High School in 1956. He attended Navarro College and East Texas State University. Gerald played football, basketball and won medals in track at Canton High School. His friends called him “Speed Reed.” Gerald was loved by his classmates and was voted class favorite at Canton High School and at Navarro College. Gerald met Tillie Mable Defee of Van, while in high school and they married in 1959. They had three children, Joel, Sherry, and Chris. Gerald was owner of Reed Electric since 1964 and was awarded number one dealer in the area for Fedders Air Conditioners. Gerald was known in Canton for his honestly, integrity, and generosity. He would often tell the needy or widows, “no charge.” Gerald was elected to the school board at Canton Independent School District in 1975 and served until 1987. Gerald taught children’s Sunday school at the First United Methodist Church and was president of the United Methodist Men.

He served as a deacon at Trinity Church in Canton. Gerald and Tillie later joined his mother as members of First Baptist Church. Gerald was a Master Mason in good standing for over 50 years at Castillian Lodge No. 141.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Ouida Fay Reed; infant sister, Mary Beth Reed; grandson, Vincent Reed, and daughter-in-law Amanda Reed.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Tillie Reed; son, Joel Reed; daughter, Sherry Addison; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Jennifer Reed; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and brother, Pat and Donna Reed.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Nov. 3, at First Baptist Church in Canton.