Roger Reed

September 26, 1941 – November 3, 2026

A Life of Integrity, Service, and Hard Work

KINGSPORT, TN – Roger Allan Reed, 85, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, at The Waters of Kingsport, surrounded by love as he entered his next journey after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on September 26, 1941, in Kingsport, Tennessee, Roger lived a life defined by dedication, strong values, and a work ethic that was second to none. A handshake was his word, and his integrity earned him the respect of everyone who knew him.

A man of quiet strength and deep conviction, Roger was of the United Methodist faith. He believed strongly in God and cherished sharing that faith, wisdom, and love with his children and family throughout his life.

Roger fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending Georgia Tech, earning his degree before embarking on a distinguished 30-plus-year career as a mechanical engineer at Eastman Chemical Company. Passionate about passing along his knowledge, he also taught mechanical drawing and blueprint reading at the Kingsport Adult Education Center. Throughout his career, he was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and held leadership positions with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Following his engineering career, Roger turned a personal hobby into a full-time second vocation: stump grinding. Working side-by-side with his son, Mitch, local residents frequently saw the father-son duo hard at work across the community, bringing the same precision and honesty to his business that he brought to every aspect of his life.

Family & Shared Joy

Fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved, Roger cherished his family above all else. He was blessed with a wonderful blended family and created a home rooted in warmth, strength, and mutual respect.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Ann Burem Reed; his children, Mitchell Reed and Allyson Reed; his stepchildren—loved with all his heart and held as his very own—Terri Mills Phillips and Jason Murr (wife, Becky); his sisters, Sandra Gaynor and Marian Patrick (husband, David), sister-in-law, Yolanda Reed (spouse of his deceased brother, David Reed); his beloved grandchildren, Brandon Sluss, Ashlyn Mills, Pearson Mills, and Emily Murr; as well as a niece, three nephews, many cousins and a wide circle of friends.

Outdoors, Adventure & Fellowship

Roger was happiest in the great outdoors, whether camping, fishing, riding motorcycles, watching sports, or taking in the excitement of NASCAR events. One of his favorite pastimes was putting around Boone Lake on his pontoon boat, enjoying peaceful days on the water.

He leaves behind a tight-knit network of lifelong friends, including his best friend, Mike McGuire (Maryanne), and special lifelong friends Bruce Jones and Robert "Bob" Falin.

Expressing Gratitude

The family extends their deepest appreciation and special thanks to the dedicated staff at The Waters of Kingsport, as well as his special caregivers, Glenda and Ana, for treating Roger with the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect, helping ease his transition into his next journey.

Gathering & Service Details

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, The Michael J Fox Foundation, or Georgia Tech Alumni Association.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 56:13