Bruce Franklin Reed, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, in Murphy, Texas, at the age of 91. Born on July 18, 1933, in Walters, Oklahoma, he was the cherished son of John Franklin Reed and Angilee Akins Reed.
Bruce spent his early years in the tight-knit community of Walters, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Walters High School. His academic journey led him to Draughon’s Business College in Wichita Falls, Texas, and later to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. Bruce was a proud U.S. Army veteran with a deep sense of duty. He served his country honorably and was a model of integrity and leadership during his service. He later built a successful career in commercial insurance, retiring in 1998 from the American States Insurance Company.
On December 27, 1958, Bruce married the love of his life, Shirley Ann Boles, in Walters, Oklahoma. Their marriage of nearly 66 years was a testament to enduring love and shared faith. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and creating countless cherished memories with each other, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bruce’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; ensuring they felt the fullness of his love for them. Bruce especially loved holidays and celebrations as they were a time for all of the family to gather together and share stories and memories.
Bruce was a devoted member of Murphy Road Baptist Church, where he was baptized and became a pillar of the congregation. He led various church committees and Bible study classes and he served for 28 years as a youth leader for the AWANAS Boys Club. Bruce had a deep, unshakable faith which was the cornerstone of his life; he read his Bible daily and enjoyed engaging family and friends in conversation about the scripture and its application to daily life.
Bruce also had a love for the outdoors. Whether tending to his garden, working on cars, or enjoying nature through hunting and fishing, he was often found outside, soaking up the sunshine. Bruce loved dogs of all sizes. However, he had a passion for raising and training bird-hunting dogs.
Bruce was the cornerstone of his family, a man of quiet strength and unwavering integrity. He always put their needs before his own while offering support, wisdom, and unconditional love. His legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and faithfulness. Those who knew him will remember his warm smile and the sense of peace he brought to those around him.
Bruce is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Reed of Murphy, Texas; children: David Reed and wife, Karen, of Plano, Texas; Mark Reed and wife, Kelly, of Murphy, Texas; Laura Reed, of Mckinney, Texas, and Becky Cinclair and husband, David, of Plano, Texas. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren: Jamie Reed and wife, Lauren, of Celina, Texas; Meagan Dixon and husband, Rodney, of Waxahachie, Texas; Lauren Smith and husband, Austen, of Prosper, Texas; Alyssa Cinclair of Dallas, Texas; Brandon Reed of Murphy, Texas; Matthew Cinclair and wife, Grace, of Plano, Texas; Ryan Reed of Murphy, Texas; Michael Cinclair of Plano, Texas; and Sarah Cinclair of Plano, Texas. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy in his later years. In addition to his immediate family, Bruce is survived by many other relatives and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved son, Curtis Reed; parents, John and Angilee Reed; and sister, Denzil Johnson and her husband, Coleman Johnson.
Bruce’s life will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Murphy Road Baptist Church, located at 411 South Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094. The family invites all who knew and loved Bruce to join them in honoring his remarkable life and the legacy of love, faith, and strength he leaves behind. The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: www.youtube.com/MurphyChurch.
Although Bruce will be deeply missed, his impact on the lives of those he touched is immeasurable. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends; as we bid him farewell, we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace—reunited with those who went before him and forever watching over those he leaves behind.