Kenneth Larry Reed of Gastonia, NC, aged 80, passed away on September 26, 2026.

Kenneth was born in Oakwood, GA on July 28, 1946. His parents were the late Robert C. Reed and Daisy Irene Reed. After graduating from high school in 1964, Kenneth enlisted in the U.S. Navy and most notably served as an aviation structural mechanic attached to attack squadron VA-55 on the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War. When Kenneth’s Navy enlistment was completed in 1967, he subsequently applied for and was accepted onto the Georgia State Patrol. After his time as a State Trooper, Kenneth went to work for various trucking companies across the Southeast as a safety manager, overseeing fleet compliance, accident prevention, and federal regulations to protect drivers and the public.

Kenneth married his high school sweetheart Linda Coyle right after high school. Family was always the most important aspect of his life as they raised their three sons together. Throughout his life Kenneth was a man of principle who always lived in faith, family, hard work, and doing what is right. When his wife Linda passed away in August 2002, Kenneth took an early retirement a few years later to care full time for his son Cory who began to suffer from muscular dystrophy. His intentionality and dedication in those 24 years of being his son’s caretaker set an amazing example of selflessness and love that we all can admire.

Kenneth had many passions, but he loved classic country music, auto racing, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

A graveside service will be held on October 3, 2026, at Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eagle Ranch in Kenneth’s honor. https://www.eagleranch.org/memorial-gift