Jack Eugene Reid
3/15/1926 - 7/29/2015

Jack Eugene Reid, 89, a long-time resident of Lake Jackson, TX, passed away on July 29, 2015, in Angleton. He was born on March 15, 1926 in Eldorado, Illinois to Olive Emma Reid and William Edward Reid. He was the oldest brother to two sisters, Rebecca Reid (deceased) and Roselyn Knight (deceased).

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Henrietta Christine. Jack leaves his children, the three proudest accomplishments in his life: Dr. Randal Ray Reid and his wife, Kate, of Austin; Kimber Reid Marshall and her husband, Charles (Lynn), of Missouri City; and Pala Ann Hammond of Angleton. He also leaves his eight grandchildren, Austin Reid Marshall, Ryan Banks Reid, Ashley Christine Marshall, Dillon Ross Hammond, Riley Ann Hammond, Robyn Lee Hammond, Jack Burnett Reid, and the spirit of Martha Shannen Reid, and his two great-granddaughters, Nina Laura Hammond and Leah Cole Hammond.

It's no surprise that Jack's family is full of lessons learned from his example and stories of his success, but it is truly incredible to see an entire city shaped by his leadership and service. When asked about what made him a successful businessman for over 40 years in the Brazosport area, he explained it simply: "You just do what you say you're going to do."

Besides his uncanny business sense, Jack had a famous knack for creativity. He frequently ran advertisements in the local paper featuring handwritten letters from his children about the latest appliance his wife wanted. In reality, Jack was just trying to sell the newest appliance in his store! Jack also wrote an entertaining Christmas letter every year that was a favorite among his children and grandchildren as they read about their own successes (previously unknown to them). But the very best example of Jack's creativity might be the photos adorning his home on Circle Way, completely covering the walls from floor to ceiling.

His children invite you to celebrate his life at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Lake Jackson, TX. The visitation will be 5:00-6:30 on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Lakewood Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Jackson Memorial Gardens or the American Heart Association.

Jack enlisted at the age of 15 and was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps in January 1943 at the age of 16. He trained at Rattlesnake Bomber Base, Peyote, TX. He served overseas during WWII with the 1st Air Commando Group in India & Burma and was discharged in January 1946. He is a proud member of Veterans of Underage Military Service, with his story of service recorded in America's Youngest Warriors, Vol II.

Trained as a union bricklayer, Jack moved to Freeport to do brickwork at The Dow Chemical Co. In 1948, Jack became a building contractor and participated in the construction of many Dow Chemical projects, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Brazosport High School, Damon High School, Freeport High School, Angleton ISD schools, Lake Jackson City Hall, and many other commercial buildings in Lake Jackson.

In 1949, he started a masonry company in Lake Jackson, when the city only had 1500 residents. In 1951, with partners Bill Correll and Frank Steves, the Jack Reid Lumber Co. was opened on the corner now occupied by CVS Pharmacy. In 1954, the lumber company was sold. Jack retained the appliance portion of the lumber company and founded Jack Reid Appliances, which he and his wife ran until he retired in 1991. The store continues in business today as Champagne Appliances.

Jack met Henrietta Horak on a double date set up by friends. He and Henri hit it off immediately, and they saw each other every night, except for one, until they married at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Freeport, TX on February 5, 1949. Henri was his wife and business partner for 53 years, until her death in 2002.

A resident of Lake Jackson since 1948, Jack has been a community leader and is proud to have served in many community organizations, including being a member of the Lake Jackson Businessmen's Association, first President of the Lake Jackson Kiwanis Club, the Quarterback Club, Brazosport Chamber of Commerce, Councilman and Mayor of Lake Jackson, Houston Galveston Area Council, charter member of Riverside Country Club, worked with the Lake Jackson Jaycee's to organize the first bi-annual Brazoria County Day in Austin for our state legislators, charter member of the Lake Jackson Running Club (clocking in over 37,000 miles and 13 marathons), served as Director and Chairman of the Lake Jackson State Bank, active in St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, charter member of the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Jackson Businessmen's Association "Man of the Year 1986," charter member of the Lake Jackson Christmas Tree Program, Emeritus Board Member of the Lake Jackson Historical Association, and President of the Riverside Retiree Association 1996-1998.

Even with just an 8th grade education, Jack has been recognized from early on and all throughout his life with numerous awards. In 1968, he won the "Mr. Frigidaire" award for being the most promotion-minded dealer in the 43 county Houston zone of Frigidaire sales; in 2007, he was inducted into the Brazoria County Business Hall of Fame; and on March 15, 2010 he was honored with "Jack Reid Day" by the Lake Jackson City Council.

The people of Brazosport have always been extremely supportive of community activities which Jack has participated in over the years and he continued to be ever grateful for the community support and trust with which he has been blessed.

Golf has been a longtime passion for Jack, always chasing, but never quite catching par - his first PAR was a daughter, born in 1958, named Pala Ann Reid. He even closed the store at noon on Wednesdays so he could be out on the golf course. His other longtime passion was playing cards, particularly poker. He was ready for a game, anywhere and anytime. Traveling was another activity he loved. Due to his profession as a store owner, he and Henri were able to participate in many trips provided by manufacturers.

An uncountable number of friends and neighbors have blessed Jack during his life, in particular Gary and Alice Rodgers who lived next door to him for many years. They have been devoted friends and a well-loved part of the family, with Gary making a point to visit Jack daily over the last several years.

Jack was given a second chance at love and has been blessed to have Jean Cheek by his side since 2007. Jean and Jack went to elementary school together back in Illinois and were able to reconnect 66 years later. They have been able to spend the past 8 years enjoying each other's companionship and more than a few crossword puzzles.

Jack touched everyone he met and left a lasting impression on his family, friends, and community. As devoted as we were to him, he was to us. We are thankful to have been able to call him Daddy, Grandpa, and Great-grandpa.

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