William "Bill" Reed

William (Bill) Jesse Reed, 70, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away July 19, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Bonne Terre, June 7, 1954, to the late Woodrow Wilson and Dorothy Pearl (Boland) Reed. Bill was a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and the Masonic Lodge in Columbia, MO.

Bill had a long and varied career in health care. Early on he was a certified EMT and Paramedic, training others in the field and bringing advanced emergency care to parts of rural Texas. Bill was calm and caring under pressure and was great dealing with others to deescalate situations. He went on to work as a respiratory care therapist. Bill later retired from sleep study analysis, where he helped others solve how their sleeping habits affected their health, safety and quality of life.

Bill loved seeing the world through the lens of his camera. He also enjoyed the outdoors, often trout fishing or gardening. Bill was always entertaining himself and others with a good story or a well placed joke. He often used his free time to help others or volunteer in the community.

Bill was the loving husband of 48 years to Lesa Carol (Ratley) Reed; father to Cherie Price, Daniel Reed (Sarah), and Grant Reed (Melia); loving grandpa to Jeremiah Reed, Holly Reed, and Olivia Reed; brother to Wilson Reed (Mary) and Dwight Reed (Kimberly). Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM. Pastor Ryan Speck will be officiating. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Park Hills.