Milton L. Reed

December 15, 1925 - November 8, 2012 GARNER - Milton L. Reed, 86, peacefully ended his earthly journey on November 8, 2012 surrounded by his family. As a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher/principal, those whose lives were touched by Milton will miss his sense of humor, passion for life, and kind, gentle spirit. Milton was born in Boaz, Alabama on December 15, 1925. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Reed and daughter Beth Reed of Raleigh, North Carolina, sister Charlotte Williams and brother-in-law Jerry Williams of Garner, North Carolina; and many special nieces and nephews. He was the son of Arthur and Sivola Reed. He was predeceased by his son Richard Reed; his brother Welton Reed; and sisters Mildred Brothers and Onzelle Rice. Following his two and a half year service in the Navy during World War II, Milton pursued degrees in education and administration at JacksonvilleUniversity, the University of Alabama, and AuburnUniversity. Milton began his career as a history teacher at HokesBluffHigh School in Alabama in 1952. This is where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Smith, in 1953. He later served as the principal at Hokes Bluff High School, as well as Union Springs High School and Haleyville High School, in Alabama. Milton and his family moved to Hartselle, Alabama in 1967 where he served as principal at HartselleHigh School for 13 years before his retirement in 1980. Following his retirement from education, he served as the Building and License inspector for the City of Hartselle from 1980 to 1985. During his retirement, Milton worked hard to fulfill his goal of catching every fish in Smith Lake, Alabama. A visitation service will be held at the Bryan Lee funeral home in Garner, North Carolina from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Sat. Nov. 10th, 2012. Another visitation will be held at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, Alabama on November 14, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Hartselle, Alabama on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 12:00pm followed by a grave side service at CrestwoodMemorialCemetery in Gadsden, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you honor Milton by helping someone in need or by making a donation to your favorite charity.