Steven Edward Reed, 62, of Cary, died Sunday, July 22, 2012 while hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Steve was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 30, 1950. He was a graduate of the University of NC, Chapel Hill and received his Masters degree at East Carolina University. Steve was employed with the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for 37 years.
Steve loved the Lord and his church and served them both well. Steve loved nature and the outdoors and his passion was hiking the Appalachian Trail with his fellow hiking buddies. Steve was an Eagle Scout and served as scoutmaster for Troop 204 at First Baptist Church for many years.
Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Edna Louise Roth Reed. He is survived by the love of his life for 40 years, Ann Salisbury Reed; son, Thomas Alvah Reed of Carrboro; daughter Kathryn Reed Guenther and her husband Glen of Raleigh; father, Thomas Lamar Reed of Chattanooga, TN; and 3 grandchildren. Steve will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Cary, 218 South Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV, 25425.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 25, 2012
Ann, just found this information today. You will be in my prayers. Am thinking about you. Jewelle Jackson Boone
August 10, 2012
Ann and Family--you don't know me but I worked closely with Steve over an 8 year period on the Alcoa hydro relicensings, and I wanted to tell you how much I liked and respected him. He was a truly fine man who loved life and treasured God's creation. He will be missed very much.
Randy Benn
Falls Church VA
July 31, 2012
Jeff Wilson
Doris Ann,been decades since we three have seen one another.Life has passed us by but wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on Steve's untimely passing.God blessed us with his life among us and now he is at home with God our Father.We should rejoice in that but I know that you will deeply miss him until you are reunited one day in the future.My prayers are being lifted up for you during these days of sorrow for His love and comfort.My sister,Julia, also sends her condolences.God bless you all.
July 30, 2012
Sheryl Bryan
Ann and family, I am at a loss for words to express my sadness. Steve and I spent many hours working together in the rivers of western North Carolina, often under less-than-best conditions. His positive outlook and never-ending enthusiasm was, and remains, an inspiration to us all. There is a new sparkle in our mountain streams because of him. Love and prayers to all.
July 29, 2012
Ann, Steve & I were so shocked to hear about Steve. We are so sorry for your loss but know that you find peace in the Lord. Steve worked with Steve while deacon at FBC and often spoke of what a great guy he was. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Keep all your memories close to your heart and hold on to the only One who can bring comfort at this time - Jesus!! Steve & Robin Moore
July 29, 2012
Fred Tarver
Ann and family,
Total disbelieve when I first heard of Steve's passing. Steve hired me into the DWR family and was my "boss" for 20 years. I'll miss his tacky Hawaiian shirts on Fridays, his ribbing me on my biking attire, staff birthday lunches; but mostly I'll miss his guidance based on 30+ years of DENR service and one final traverse of a N.C. river. He'll be missed. My thoughts are with you.
July 29, 2012
Ann, I'm Michael Douglas's sister Wanda from Red Springs. I'm so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I'd only met him a couple of times but he was such a nice man and Michael thought the world of him. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
July 28, 2012
Horace Robertson
Ann, knowing you and Steve since you were teenagers has been a blessing to Eunice and I. Sorry that I missed you when I stopped by on Tuesday afternoon, Will visit when we are back in Cary. You and your entire family are in our prayers. Let us know of anything we can do to assist you as you adjust to Steve's absence here on earth. We know where he is and that give us all great comfort! He was such a blessing to so many of us!
July 28, 2012
Sheila Gragg
We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Our thought and prayers are with your entire family. You and Steve were the first people to invite my to dinner 31 years ago and I will never forget how special that was. He was a very special man. If there is every anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Sheila and Charlie Gragg
July 27, 2012
Steve Smutko
Ann and family of Steve,
I am proud to have called Steve a friend and colleague. I first met Steve through NRLI, and continued a valued relationship with him for twelve years. Steve was a catalyst for so many important accomplishments in environmental protection in North Carolina. The state owes much to Steve's inate ability to bring people together to find shared solutions to tough problems. I relied on Steve's steady leadership and guidance on the many issues that we worked on together, and will miss him greatly.
July 27, 2012
sue hodge
Sorry for loss. I worked with Steve in troop 204 and he was a great person to work with in scouts. He made a differents in alot of scouts lives.
July 27, 2012
Joanna (Estes) Freitag
Reed Family- I just learned of your loss today through my parents. My first thoughts were of his work with the kids of FBC when I was in the youth group. Tom and I are the same age and grew up in church together. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
July 27, 2012
Alan
Saw a man on a plane that looked like Steve on Monday. It was the first time I'd thought about him in years. He was my Scoutmaster 18 years ago...then I learned that he had passed....the same Monday
July 27, 2012
Ann, Tom and Kathy,
Please be assured of my prayers for you during your journey of grief. If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to call.
Blessings.
Don L. McCutcheon, Sr.
July 27, 2012
Leigh Ann (Hunter) Metts
Dear Ann and Family,
I was shocked and saddened when I heard about your loss. I have many fond memories of Steve from FBC Cary. He was a great man. Please know that you all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
July 26, 2012
Steve was one of the most genuine, caring, hard-working, and fun people we've ever known. In a word, he was a man of integrity.
It was a pleasure to have worked with him for over 20 years. When walking up and down streams, he was always ready to "go around another bend". He has gone around the final bend.
To Steve's family - We are saddened by your loss. You are in our prayers.
Chris & Stephanie Goudreau
July 26, 2012
Dear Ann & children.
I was so shocked, as I know everyone else was, to hear about Steve's sudden death. Please know that you're in my prayers and my heart goes out to you and the chilfren.
May God grace abound around you & the rest of the family.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this very sad time.
Love & Prayers,
Margaret Kingsley
July 26, 2012
Keith Webb
To Steve's family
It was a shock to hear of Steve's sudden passing but the Lord has differnent plans for each of us. Steve was a true professional and a joy to work with over the past 20 plus years. All employees, regardless of their feild, can learn from his example. He was always he fair, open minded,and used a professional manner to each project. His skill and friendship will be greatly missed.
I trust the Lord will be with each family member and give you strenght in these most difficult times. We each can never know the hour or minute when the Lord decides he needs us more than he needs us here but can have comfort in that someday we will be reunited. "I go forward to prepare a place for you" John 14.3
July 26, 2012
Dwayne Stutzman
Ann & Family,
I worked with Steve on all the western hydro Relicensing projects and spent 5-10 days a month with him for about 8-9 years, as before I retired, I worked for State Parks, and was the state trails planner who was responsible for the recreation mitigation that the Department required when a hydro-electric license was renewed.
As I also maintain a section of the AT (Max Patch), we had many long discussions about the AT and how much he loved hiking.
I am in Texas assisting my family with a situation which Steve would understand, as we have a ternimal illness in our family. We talked many times about his family in Chatanooga and Florida, and I always appreciated him for his dedication and attention to his family.
He was truly a gentle and gracious individual, and I will miss giving him a hard time whenever I am in Raleigh. You are In my thoughts and prayers.
July 26, 2012
Alan & Kathy Drake
Ann and family,
We mourn with you in your loss of such a great man. Steve's kind and gentle spirit touched everyone around him. As chairman of the deacons, Steve's Christlike example provided us with servant leadership that honored His Savior. Loving husband and father, faithful friend, humble servant. His gain is now our loss. We love and miss him and are praying for you.
July 26, 2012
Joe Harwood
Ann, Tom and Kathy,
What a shock...God acts in mysterious ways sometimes, but obviously he needed Steve last Sunday. Wanted you to know I was thinking of all of you....as I remember the great times Steve and I had on the Pamlico River working on our masters degree. God Bless you all.....
July 26, 2012
Sarah Young
To Steve's family:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Steve at DWR for the past two years. He was honestly one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met. I'll never forget his kindness when I first started with the division. We are all shocked and saddened by his passing here at DWR and wish you peace during this difficult time.
July 26, 2012
Leslie (Ching) Buck
Ann and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this terribly sad time. I have thought of "Mr Reed" many times over the past few days. He had a wonderful way with us kids. Basketball, Sunday school, Youth trips. They are fond and wonderful memories. My brother, Andy and I will remember him fondly and pray for your peace. All our love.....
July 25, 2012
virginia guenther
Kathy, We are so very sssorry to hear about your Dad. THis must be such a difficult time for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. LOve, Uncle George and Aunt Jeanne
July 25, 2012
Roger Lear
To the Reed family:
I worked with Steve during his Scouting years and especially his time as a leader in Troop 204. He was a true Eagle Scout, compassionate and caring and always willing to step up to get the work done for his unit and for our District.
He made others he worked with in Scouting proud to be in the Boy Scouts of America.
May the Lord be with you and give you strength to get thru this trying time.
July 25, 2012
Johnny Ross
Ann, Kathy, and Tom,
Rhea and I were deeply saddened to learn of Steve's sudden death. Please be assured of our love and prayers as you cope with the pain of loss. May the Heavenly Father embrace each of you to give comfort, peace, encouragement, and strength both now and in the coming days, and may His abudant grace and mercy be sufficient for all your needs.
July 25, 2012
Sandy Foley Jarrett
I knew Steve well in high school. I remember his playing Amazing Grace on the piano for me once. We had not kept in touch, but I am very sorry that he is gone. He made the world a better place. My condolences and prayers are with his family.
July 25, 2012
Sarah Young
To Steve's family: I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Steve was honestly one of the nicest people I have ever met. I worked with him at DWR for the past two years. He loved sharing stories about his travels and would always give me great advice on where to go and what to see. He was so welcoming to me when I first started with DWR and I'll never forget his warmth and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 25, 2012
Deborah Robertson
To Steve's family and friends,
I just met Steve through work this year and am very sorry to hear of your loss. Steve has been kind, genuine, and encouraging in the work we shared and will be missed.
July 25, 2012
To Steve's Family,
Sorry to hear about Steve's passing. I worked with Steve on hydro plant licensing at Nantahala Power and Light and found him to be very professional. Anyone who knew Steve will remember him as a kind and compassionate friend. You have my sympathy and prayers.
Tom Smitherman
East Bend, N. C.
July 25, 2012
Dianne Reid
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Steve was a wonderful person to work with and I loved his sense of humor! He will be sorely missed.
July 25, 2012
Mary Lou Addor
Dear Ann, Thomas A., Thomas L., and Kathryn:
Thank you for sharing the man who was the quintessential spirit of generosity in the important realms of life. I've been honored to have worked with Steve since 2000 on a number of collaborative decision-making efforts that have benefited the economic and environmental health of our state. In fact, we met several weeks ago to discuss a current project; and as always, in the midst of complexity, there was time for laughter.
Although I treasure Steve's leadership in advancing collaborative decision-making in NC, more importantly, I treasure his leadership in kindness. Steve moved mountains. And I cannot thank you enough for sharing his special light with our larger NC community.
May our thoughts, memories, and prayers provide a warm circle that surrounds each of you.
God be with you,
July 25, 2012
Gentry
"Ann, I just heard the news about your husband, I want you to know that you are in my prayers. May the joy of the years that you shared with your man of God be forever in your memories! Just to know that you shared a man who truely love our Father in Heaven is an honor. Be strong in the power of the Lord, and his might for he truely cares for us. Love Khristin (Wake Ophthalmology). You can call me anytime here's my number 919-641-9521, God bless you!
July 25, 2012
Buster and Cele Seward
To the Reed family,
Please accept our condolences for your loss and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. (My husband was one of those who responded to the call for our volunteer fire department.)
July 25, 2012
Arthur and Debbie Mouberry
Ann, Kathy and Tom,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Steve's death. Arthur has many fond memories of hiking the Appalachian Trail with Steve. He was a wonderful asset to NCDENR for many years and a great person. He loved his family and that was evident to all who knew him. God bless you all and comfort you in this very difficult time.
July 25, 2012
Forrest Westall
My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family and friends. It was my great pleasure to have known and worked with Steve on several projects over the past 36 years. He was one of the most pleasant, thoughtful, professional and capable people I ever worked with. His dedication to every project he worked on was a model of public service. As a friend he was a joy to talk with and be around. I thank God for His sharing with us the soul and heart of such a wonderful person.
July 25, 2012
Dan and Ina Rhew
My sweet Ann: We are sad to hear about Steve. You will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers, as well as your children. We know we are not promised a number of days on this earth, but we know that we are promised a much better life after we leave this place. I pray your family will rally around you at this time and you will receive the love and support to help you get through this time. Love you.
July 25, 2012
Kevin Colburn
Ann, I had the great pleasure and honor of working with Steve on river stewardship issues for the past decade. Steve's presence flowed from such a deep well of intelligence, thoughtfulness, integrity, energy, and wit. He truly made North Carolina a better place through his work, and just by being himself. Deepest sympathy from all of us that love rivers, and that treasured Steve as a friend and colleague. Steve will be missed dearly.
July 25, 2012
Sarah McRae
Of Steve's many wonderful traits, the thing I liked most was his voice - that wonderful southern accent. I could listen to it for hours. I will greatly miss talking with, and learning from Steve.
Thoughts and prayers to the Reed Family.
July 25, 2012
Dear Ann,
I am praying for you and yuor family. I can only say that Steve is in a much better place and rejoycing with Jesus. He was such a blessing to me everytime I saw him, smiling and talking about ham and Applebutter....I will have to tell you that story soon. Be strong and know that you have a huge support family at FBC-Cary.
Laura Johnson
July 25, 2012
Gina Larcom
Ann, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. I know how much he meant to you and how much you will miss him. I really enjoyed meeting you all at Good Hope and more recently seeing him at the Credit Union as one of my favorite members. He will be missed! You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
July 25, 2012
Tom and Kathy Atkins
Dear Ann,
Kathy and I were so sorry to hear about Steve. My two oldest boys, John Allen and Luke, took the news very hard, as they always looked forward to talking to "Mr. Steve" about The Heels. I will always cherish the times we shared at VBS working with the kids. We will miss Steve dearly, but rejoice that we will get to spend eternity with him, in Heaven.
We are praying for you every day.
July 25, 2012
Jeannie (Livermon) Grizzle
Reed Family - my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Steve was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him from FBC working with us kids. I am sure is in "Heaven's Sweet Forever".
Love and Prayers,
July 25, 2012
Lois Thomas
My prayers go out to the Steve's family. It was a blessing and an honor to have worked with such a kind and friendly man. He was great to work with on issues with the EMC. May God grant you all the strength that you need during this time of grief.
July 25, 2012
Cathy Hofknecht
Dear Ann,
Rudy and I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
July 25, 2012
John Crutchfield
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Steve's wife, Ann and his family. I worked with Steve on North Carolina stream flow issues for over 20 years. We had a conversation a couple of weeks ago about family and careers. We laughed several times when we reminisced the "war stories" of field work on the Pigeon and Pee Dee rivers.
Steve was a consummate scientist and a good steward of the State's river resources. Most importantly, he was a friend and a good man. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues.
July 24, 2012
Bill Watson
Ann, we love you and are praying for you. I am still in shock from the news. Steve was a great friend to me as well as a friend to all. Kim and I have been thinking of you both numerous times on our trip out west. Steve always found time to help those in need and set a great example of living the way Jesus wants us all to live. I know he will always be watching over you, and I truly look forward to seeing him in heaven and sharing many memories and adventures. Kim and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
In Christ's love, Bill and Kim.
July 24, 2012
Patricia Godwin
Ann, I just saw this about Steve and I am so shocked and sad. He was truly one of the nicest men I have ever known and I will always remember him with a smile on his face. So sorry for you and your kids and family. Love always,
Trisha Godwin
July 24, 2012
Lisa Reichstein
Ann, Bill and I are sad to hear about Steve. We find solace in knowing that he is with Joey. We will pray for you and your family. Let us know if we can do anything.
July 24, 2012
Nathan Kirkpatrick
Ann, you have been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers in this sad season. It was a great joy and a privilege to get to know Steve through Jerry and Gracie.
July 24, 2012
Ann,
Dan and I are so sorry to hear about Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dan and Sharon Hangebrauck (Friends of Kurt and Fran)
July 24, 2012
David Lee
Every time I was around Steve he made me smile. We were blessed that God shared him with us for awhile.
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