Mr. Cecil Ray Reed, age 85, of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away at his home on March 14th surrounded by the love and legacy of a life devoted to family, community, and public service. Born on April 21, 1940, in Centre, Alabama, Cecil was the son of Robert L. Reed and Ethel Reed.
A 1958 graduate of Cedar Bluff High School, Cecil often shared stories from his youth growing up in Cherokee County—working in the cotton fields and remembering how inexpensive a bottle of Coca-Cola was in those days. His father served as the Chief of Police and Municipal Judge in Centre, and it was through watching him that Cecil developed a deep respect for law enforcement and a lifelong desire to serve others.
In 1963, Cecil married the love of his life, Linda Curtis Reed. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and community, sharing many happy years until Linda’s passing in April 2014.
Cecil began his long and distinguished career in public service in 1961 when he joined the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer.
In 1994, Cecil was elected Sheriff of DeKalb County. During his tenure, he was known as a fair and dedicated leader who sought justice while treating every person—regardless of circumstance—with dignity and respect.
Cecil retired from law enforcement in January 2007 after 41 years of service. In honor of his distinguished career, he was named a Supernumerary Sheriff by Governor Bob Riley.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, Cecil was first and foremost a family man.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Ethel Reed; his beloved wife, Linda Curtis Reed; and his siblings Mildred Reed, Eugene Reed, Eloise Flemming, Fred Reed, and Peggy Green.
He is survived by his son, Curt Reed and wife Mary, and their children Brittany (Joey) Holcomb and Spencer (Kelsie) Reed; his daughter, Crystal Davis and husband David, and their children Alli (Cole) Justice and Jake (Jessica) Davis. Cecil was also the proud great-grandfather of Graham, Reed, and Parker Holcomb; Jasper, Jessi, Jayda, and Linna Cate Justice; and Harrison Reed. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cecil Reed—lovingly known to most as Sheriff, Paw Paw, or Uncle Cecil—will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and public servant who gave his life to protecting and serving his community. He never met a stranger, loved people deeply, and left a legacy of integrity, compassion, and service that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 18th at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne with burial following with law enforcement honors in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the 2 p.m. hour of service.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
