William "Bill"  Emerson Reed, 97, of Richmond, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Valley Hospice Liza's Place Care Center South in Wheeling, West Virginia on August, 17, 2024. He was blessed to be surrounded by a constant presence of family in his last few weeks of life.

Bill, also affectionately known as "Spoonhead" (a nickname bestowed upon him by his grandchildren due to his beautiful baldness, which he embraced), was a loving father, doting pap pap and great pap, proud American citizen, and Naval veteran who thoroughly enjoyed the company of others, especially those who were willing to lend an ear to one of his many stories.

Bill was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on October 8, 1926, to Mary Bonner Schario Reed and Ralph Mansfield Reed.

Bill graduated from Steubenville "Big Red" High School in 1944 and promptly enlisted as a member of the United States Navy. He served as an electrician's mate, third class on the sub chaser SCC-1349, stationed near Shanghai, until his boat was scuttled off the coast of Guam in 1946. He was the recipient of the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal.

Bill then attended The Ohio State University for engineering, where he became a member of the stadium dormitory club and met his best friend and wife, Helen. Bill and Helen were married on September 5, 1948, and celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage in 2018.

After graduating from OSU, Bill had a career as an engineer. He worked for Weirton Steel as an industrial engineer and then National Steel as coordinator of energy studies for 33 years. Bill was proud of the fact that he was retired longer than he was employed and was able to travel extensively with his wife, Helen, whether it was wintering at their Florida residence, taking motorhome trips, or going on tours with friends.

Bill had many hobbies and was an active member of his community, serving as an assistant Boy Scout leader, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution by descent from John Reed, a charter member of the Richmond Lions Club, a HAM radio operator, and an Eagle Scout. He was a passionate researcher of genealogy and preserver of family history. He was also a member of Starkdale Presbyterian Church.

Bill was always available to lend a hand on projects with his sons, spend time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was an avid and supportive spectator for the many activities they were involved in.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents, Ralph and Mary, an infant son, Gary Reed, son William Reed II, sisters Helen Reed Masse and Ruth Reed Burns.

He is survived by sons Dr. Mark Reed (Kim), and Richard Reed (Rhonda); grandchildren William Reed III, John Reed, Sarah Reed, Samuel Reed, Benjamin Reed, Emily Lohrer (Sean), Heather Reed, Megan King (Matthew), MaryAnne Zdinak (Zachariah), Matthew Reed (Heather), and Allison Smith (Scott); great-grandchildren Kaelan, Kenneth, Calvin, Jacqulin, Luka, Maple, Rooney, Eliza Jane, Kai, Maxine, Dimitri, and Bryce, along with countless nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces; his beloved cat, Lucy; and many friends.

Additionally, the family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the nurses and staff from Gables Care Center, Trinity Medical Center West, and Valley Hospice Liza's Place Care Center South for their selfless and kind care of Bill and his family.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday evening from 4-7 PM at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home, 685 Canton Road in Wintersville. Additional visitation will be held at Starkdale Presbyterian Church in Wintersville on Wednesday from 10 AM followed by a celebration service of Bill's life at 11 AM with Rev. Carl Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Steubenville.

Memorial contributions can be made to Valley Hospice Liza's Place Care Center South and Starkdale Presbyterian Church.