Former DeKalb County Sheriff Cecil Reed Remembered for Lifetime of Service
FORT PAYNE — Former DeKalb County Sheriff Cecil Ray Reed, a longtime law enforcement officer who dedicated more than four decades to public service, passed away March 14 at his home in Fort Payne. He was 85.
Current DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden and the Sheriff’s Office honored Reed’s life and legacy, recognizing the lasting impact he had on the department and the community he served.
“Today we honor the life and legacy of former DeKalb County Sheriff Cecil Reed,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Sheriff Cecil Reed dedicated more than 40 years of his life to serving the people of DeKalb County. His commitment to public safety, leadership and dedication to this community helped shape and lay the foundation of this office and the service it provides today.”
Officials said Reed’s influence will continue to be felt for generations through the men and women who serve the county.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Reed was born April 21, 1940, in Centre, Alabama, to Robert L. Reed and Ethel Reed. He graduated from Cedar Bluff High School in 1958 and often shared stories about growing up in Cherokee County, including working in cotton fields during his youth.
His father served as Chief of Police and Municipal Judge in Centre, an experience that inspired Reed’s early interest in law enforcement and public service.
Reed began his career in 1961 when he joined the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and earned a reputation for fairness, dedication, and a strong commitment to the community.
In 1994, Reed was elected Sheriff of DeKalb County, a position he held until his retirement in January 2007. During his time as sheriff, he was known for treating everyone with dignity and respect while working to uphold the law and ensure public safety.
Following his retirement after 41 years in law enforcement, Reed was named a Supernumerary Sheriff by then-Governor Bob Riley in recognition of his distinguished career.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reed was known as a devoted family man. In 1963, he married Linda Curtis Reed, and the couple built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They remained together until her passing in April 2014.
Reed was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; and 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; and his daughter, Crystal Davis and husband David, and their children Alli (Cole) Justice and Jake (Jessica) Davis. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Graham, Reed, and Parker Holcomb; Jasper, Jessi, Jayda, and Linna Cate Justice; and Harrison Reed, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends and family remember Reed — often called “Sheriff,” “Paw Paw,” or “Uncle Cecil” — as a man who never met a stranger and who deeply loved both people and the community he served.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne, with burial to follow with law enforcement honors at Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., and again Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
