Obituary of Russell James Reed

Russell James Reed closed his eyes on earth and opened his eyes in the presence of Jesus on February 19, 2019. He passed peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 27, 1947, the middle child of James and Margaret Reed. He met his wife Barbara in 1965 and they married in 1968. They have two children, Suzanne and Mark. In 1976 Russ gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ. The next year the family moved from Milwaukee to Minnesota to attend Bible College to prepare for God’s work. After Russ graduated from St. Paul Bible College, the family moved to Arizona to begin full time work for God. They lived in Arizona for 29 years until moving to Beijing, China in early 2009. Russ was well traveled. Over the years, he visited Israel, Jordan, Greece, Africa, Belgium, the Philippines, and lived in China in 2009 and 2010. After one year in California, Russ and Barb moved to Melbourne Florida in 2011 where their son and his family live. Just two weeks before his passing, Russ’ sister Pat and her husband Fred from Wisconsin came for a visit. They enjoyed a wonderful time with Russ at the skilled nursing facility where he has been for the last several months. Just two days before his passing, Barb felt strongly impressed by God to visit Russ at the skilled nursing facility not knowing it would be the last time they would see each other. After talking together and taking pictures, Barb left saying “I’ll see you again soon” and indeed she will. He is preceded in death by his father James in 2007 and his mother Margaret in 1999. Russ is survived by his wife Barbara; children, Suzanne (Matt) Fleming and Mark (Heather) Reed; 5 grandchildren, Aidan, Hannah, Isabella, Andrew and Ian; Russ’ sister Patricia (Fred) Buth and his brother Ken as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held at Calvary Chapel Melbourne on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the chapel followed by food and fellowship at the church. Russ will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 3 p.m. Because of Russ’ heart for missions, if you would like to make a donation in Russ’ name, the family asks that you send it to Calvary Chapel Melbourne, 2955 Minton Rd, West Melbourne, FL 32904, memo line: missions.