"Missing you my friend. You would?ve telling me all about your watermelons by now. Will always love you. Mavis "
In loving memory of
E.H. Reid
September 22, 1925 - May 20, 2020
Edmond Harold Reid, Sr. (94) of Cumming, Georgia, stepped into the arms of Jesus on the morning of Wednesday, May 20, 2020. He passed away from injuries sustained doing what he loved--working on his farm. Called "Emmett," "E.H.," "Em Harold," "Daddy," "Pawpaw," and "Papa Reid," he was known to many as a hard-working farmer. But to those who knew him well, he was also a man who loved the Lord, his family, the land, and just helping people.
He was a man of quiet faith, but his faith drove him to love, to persevere, and to generously serve others. He made sure that his children and younger brothers and sisters found the Lord. He also invited countless people to share meals around his table. He hand-delivered corn, turnip greens, tomatoes, and his favorite--yellow-meated watermelons--to hundreds of people. Countless people counted him a friend. Even in later years, he asked visitors to join him by the fire and delighted in treating them to fresh-roasted peanuts. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church but also attended Longstreet Baptist, Brookwood Baptist, Pleasant View Baptist, Midway Methodist, Castleberry Baptist, Antioch Baptist, First Redeemer, and Coal Mountain Baptist Church.
He once said that he didn't know how to do much, but he knew how to work. And work is what he loved to do. He could have written the prayer--"God, give me work until my life shall end and life until my work is done." That is how he lived. As an 8-year-old, he rode his bicycle several miles to pick cotton and was paid by the pound. He said that he hoped to earn more than $1 a day. When asked why, he responded with a twinkle in his eye, that, if he made more than a dollar, he bought candy. As a 94-year old, he still loved to work. He worked his hay field until just days before his departure for Heaven.
He was a fourth-generation farmer and farmed for 81 years--since he was 13 years old. He lived in the house in which he was born on September 22, 1925. In 1938, his father bought the first rubber-tire tractor in Forsyth County, which was used for tilling. He sold his car to purchase the first cultivating tractor in Forsyth County. He farmed land stretching across four counties. He excelled at farming. At the peak of his farming career, he and his sons mowed and baled over 100,000 bales of hay per season, grew 500 acres of corn, maintained over 1,000 acres of fescue pasture, grew 500 head of cattle and 1,500 swine, and grew produce. He and his family were awarded the Centennial Family Farm Award in 1994.
He helped his three sons win over 50 agriculture awards. He was proud to support his sons, and the Reid family was only the second in history to have three brothers earn the American Farmer Degree--the nation's highest FFA honor.
He joined the agricultural movement in the 1970s and drove his tractor to Washington, D.C. where he spent six weeks during a frigid winter to petition Congress for fair crop prices.
In 2007, he was honored by the Georgia Association of Conservation Supervisors by being inducted into the GACD Hall of Fame. He faithfully served until his death--almost 45 years--as the Supervisor of the Upper Chattahoochee Soil & Water Conservation District. As part of his work with the Soil & Water Conservation District, he presented 75 Bibles to area ministers. He has been featured in Goldkist News, Progressive Farmer, Forsyth County News, Atlanta-Journal Constitutional Newspaper, and Georgia Future Farmer publications.
He was instrumental in the location of the Lanier Technical College, Forsyth Campus, which is situated on a portion of his farm. To provide dedicated students an opportunity to continue learning and reach their goals, he founded and helped fund the Tony and Kathy Reid Scholarship Fund at the College.
Those who knew him admired him for his perseverance. He grew up during the Great Depression and worked to provide for his brothers and sisters. It was because of his tireless efforts, over the course of many years--meeting with detectives, offering a reward, and placing reward posters--that justice was served in the deaths of his beloved son and daughter-in-law Tony and Kathy Reid. He had a pacemaker installed when he was in his 50s. Instead of slowing him down, his family often teased that doctors should "turn it down" so that family members could keep up. In his 80s, he survived brain surgery after a blood clot. Nine years ago, he amazed doctors at how quickly he recovered from open heart surgery: He couldn't wait to get back on a tractor. He survived more than a hundred bee stings. Through falls, surgeries, and broken bones, he kept going. His dogged determination inspired those around him to press on. Even as his body grew weaker in his 90s, he said that God had made his mind even sharper. He recited family events correctly by month and year and still remembered--to the penny--how much he spent on farm equipment. He read many newspapers and farm magazines and continued to stay current on the latest innovations and developments in farming and agriculture.
But as much as he loved to work the land, his priority was his family. When he first noticed a classmate in school--Louise Bettis, he thought she was beautiful. He knew "she was the one" and pestered a friend to arrange a date with her until she relented. After their marriage in 1944, they worked hard to raise three sons and a daughter on the farm that had been in his family for generations. As a family, they worked together, played together, prayed together, and went to church together. He encouraged his children to pursue their dreams. In addition to helping his sons (Harold, Danny, and Tony) through FFA, he helped his daughter (Brenda) raise a calf so that she could buy a used piano and take piano lessons. He also encouraged her to enroll in college--something he had never had the opportunity to do. He was the oldest of 12 children and maintained close relationships with all of his siblings. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to visit "Pawpaw" or "Papa Reid," a treat that he also enjoyed.
He has been a larger than life presence in many lives. His humble spirit, inspiring determination, generous heart, boyish smile, and plain wisdom will be greatly missed. But he left a rich lifetime of love. For that, his family and friends are forever grateful.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Louise Bettis Reid; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Kathy Reid; son-in-law, John Ralph Johnson; mother and father, J. Harold and Ola Reid; brothers, Glenn Reid, Sonny Reid; sister Judy Fields; and special friend, Estell Venable.
He is survived by sons, Harold (Pat) Reid of Cumming and Danny (Wanda) Reid of Cumming; and daughter, Brenda Johnson of Cumming. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Brian, Stacey, and Brad Reid, and Brett (Rachael) Johnson, all of Cumming, and Heather (George) Kandt of Overland Park, Kansas.
He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Alexa Reid, Dylan Reid, Julien Reid of Cumming, Austin Reid (Ranger of 75th Regiment of US Army), Dustin Sharp of Alpharetta, Tobie Johnson of Woodstock, and Mary Blakely, Emily, John, and Joshua Johnson of Cumming.
He is survived by 2 brothers, Doug Reid of Monroe, Dow (Joyce) Reid of Dawsonville, and 6 sisters, Jeannie (Jack) Hartman of Cumming, Joanne Cowart of Brookhaven, Ruth Pirkle of Marietta, Becky (Tom) Dunnagan of Angier, NC., Diane Martin of Dawsonville, and Linda (James) Hughes of Cumming. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Evelyn Bagley of Cumming, friend and caregiver Mavis Chiyambiro, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private service, and there will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be provided for the Tony and Kathy Reid Memorial Scholarship Fund, Forsyth Campus, at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd,; Cumming, GA 30041, .
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Colossians 3:23
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA 30040 is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"A man of God, land and family...no better tribute could be afforded to such a fine gentleman as Mr Reid. He has earned a high place in heaven, will be missed and always loved on earth. Your sweet soul has entered the presents of the lord for eternity. "
"To the Reid Family so sorry for your lost. I knew him as Edmond Harold. He was a friend to my parents before I was born. I thought a lot of him. After I got grown and married, my husband got to know him and thought a lot of him too. I think everyone that knew him loved him. He was a great person and will be missed. Dale Anderson Mahaffey and Billy Mahaffey "
"I loved this sweet precious man. I have gotten hay from him for 30+ years and feel so blessed to have known him. He always had that sweet smile and welcomed me with a big hug. He never failed to ask about my family in Indiana and how their crops were doing. I always looked forward to seeing him and talking with him. His gentle kind spirit will be so missed and treasured. Rebecca Smith"
"Prayers for the Reid family at this difficult time. God Bless Edmond and Rest in Peace. "
"Mr. Reid was a most kind, generous, and hard working man who inspired others by the way he faithfully lived his life. We will miss his presence in worship at Midway and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and dear friends. With Love and Prayers, Jennifer Andone, Senior Pastor, Midway UMC"
"Oh my dear Danny and Wanda, I?m so sorry Danny, to hear about your dad. I am keeping you guys in my prayers. And of course I send my love. Stacie Gillenwater"
"We loved Mr. Reid and will miss him. He was an amazing man! You are all in our prayers! Love, Paulette & David Stripland "
"I was only 10 when I met Emmett 63 years ago. He was only 32 years old and was just as nice then as we all remember him now. I agree that the obituary was written beautifully, but he lived his obituary all of his life. He will be missed by many, but we have his memories he created for friends and family. He will never be forgotten. May God Bless each of the Reid family members and be enriched by his life, faith and work ethic. We all know you have his work ethic, continue to carry it to your children and grandchildren."
"A GOOD man that will be missed by many..."
"Such a beautifully written obituary of Mr. Reid?s remarkable life well lived . I so admire his work ethic . It brings sadness to see the passing of his generation and way of life . He will be missed in the Midway community . My sincere condolences to the family . Gail Frederick "
"? God comfort this family as an icon is taken to everlasting peace..."
"I loved driving by and seeing Mr. Reid still out there bailing hay. My sympathy to my first grade buddy, Danny, and the rest of the Reid family."
"Harold and Pat: Christopher told me of Mr Reid\'s death. I was surprised to learn he was 94 - what a blessing! I hope you are both doing well. I often think of our friendship with the Reid family when we lived in Cumming. Judy Helms"
"Forsyth County has lost a treasure, this man and his family taught me so much about doing hay when I was at my first tractor dealership, E.H. always had a good word, no matter how trying his day had been, the corner with his farm just won\'t be the same as we drive by looking for him in the fields."
"This amazing man will be missed by the many whose lives he touched. Prayers for comfort for the family. --Kim Rucker Davis"
"So sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I know he will be missed. Praying for the family."
"What a wonderful man. I loved my visits with him when I came to get hay. He was always so sweet, sharing his beautiful bounty from his garden, especially the yellow watermelon of which he was so proud! He fed all of the stray cats and kittens that showed up at his place. They would never let anyone near them except him. God rest his precious soul and bless his family. With love, Lori Barefoot."
"I met Mr. Reid through Midway UMC when he and Ms. Estelle would come. Gracious man and an inspiration to all. If the Lord wills me to live as long as he did, I hope I\'d be at least a fraction of how sharp he was. May Mr. Reid rest in His eternal peace and may His holy spirit comfort his family."
"So sorry for your loss Danny and Wanda. Prayers for you all and the family, he was a wonderful man."
"I met Mr. Reid through his caregiver, Mavis Chiyambiro. I could see his love for his family and his farm. It always made me smile and laugh at times at his continued persistence to work his farm, and at his age, as he was driving his beloved tractor! What a great testimony he has left behind to all his family and friends, new and old! God bless the family with strength, love and peace. Goodbye Mr. Reid! You will be missed!"
"I am so sorry for your loss ?. Mr.R was a very nice man and a great story teller. He will be missed. God bless you and your family"
"Mr. Reid: You are a saint and lived your life to the fullest! There is not another Me. Reid no where to be found! When I met you and your wife after you lost your son and daughter-in-law. I was dumb founded by your care for Cathy\'s Mother and Daddy, Mrs. Reid was so humble and so tired, her heart was broken twice. I met your sweet daughter at Lanier Tect College, when I took my Computer class! When I found out who she was I couldn\'t believe it. You had a wonderful family and I love you for not giving up on your son\'s murderer. Hug Cathy for me!"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to this family on the loss of their dad. Mr Reid was a legend as a farmer in Forsyth County and will be missed by so many. "
"We were sadden to learn of the passing of Mr. Reid, a dear friend and a fellow conservationist who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Larry and Patsy Nix "
"I don?t even have words. My heart break for this wonderful family. Mr. Reid was such a ray of sunshine. He always had a smile and what a wonderful Friend to my dad. He?s home now go rest high on that mountain well deserved! My prayers and thoughtS are with this sweet family during this time"
"So loved talking to Mr Reid Everytime we came to get our horse hay. Such a sweet soul. RIP Helen and Ellis Copeland"
"Brenda, Heather,Brett and Family with Deepest Sympathy . Love Hugh & Joyce "
"Mr. Reid was a true gentleman, and loved his family and friends. I stopped to say hi every month or two for the past 10 years, and I was always greeted with a big smile, friendly conversation and before I\'d leave, he would thank me several times for stopping by. I already miss those special visits! Thanks Mr. Reid for blessing my life with your one of a kind sunshine! Eddy Spaeth"
"Our condolences to the Reid Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Reid was one of the hardest working men I have had the privilege of meeting. He will definitely be missed. Charles & Tammy Phillips"
"Prayer to the Reid family so many memories everyone in the family are good friends and has been great neighbors Emmett is a great man was very good to me and my family he will Never be forgotten Love each and everyone . Steve and Sheila Cruse"
"In the days following his tractor accident, Mama and the other ladies of the Ambassador Sunday School Class of Midway United Methodist Church kept the phone lines hot, praying for Mr. Reid. Without fail, in every single conversation I overheard, the yellow meat watermelons he brought to them at church were always mentioned. Whenever I hear his name, I picture him on his tractor in one of his fields, one hand on the wheel, turned back looking at what he\'s doing. There\'s no tellin\' how many times I witnessed this scene in my life, traveling Highway 9, looking out the windows of my daddy\'s truck and my mama\'s car. He was there, too, when my older siblings started driving and taking me to town. Many a day I\'d see him out the school bus window, then my own when I finally got old enough to take myownself wherever I wanted to go. Riding or driving, it didn\'t matter, always I\'d look for Mr. Reid on his tractor. I expect I always will."
"Sincere condolences to the Reid family, my prayers are with you all. What a great loss. Such a kind, generous and honorable man - I learned many things from him and always appreciated his integrity, decency and sense of humor. He was my dear friend and will be greatly missed by many. A life well lived, God rest his soul. May angels sing thee to thy rest. "
"I wanted to let all of his family know that he will miss so much in the county that corner lot will never be the same. Just to sit and talk with him on the pass times and what is changing honing on now. He was a great man to witch I am blessed to have got to know. I pray for your family to come to grips with where he is now. With the love of his life that he missed so much your mom RIP ME REID YOUR HOME NOW. "
"Mr. Emitt Reid was a nice man and a good Christian. He will be greatly missed by all. His family loved him very much."