Carlton W. “Corkey” Reed, 93, of East Lansing, Michigan, formerly of Fall River, passed peacefully from this life at MediLodge of East Lansing Rehabilitation and Wellness Center on June 7, 2017. Born at home June 6, 1924 in Fall River, he was the youngest son of the late James F. and Bertha (Gregory) Reed. His siblings, which include Abigail L. “Abbie” Reed, Mabel A. (John J.) Morin, Waldo F. “Jack” Reed, Emma A. (Joe) Kozel, Milton (Jennie) Reed, Everett Reed, Robert “Robbie” Reed, James F. (Mary) Reed, Jr., Lester A. (Regina) Reed, Dorothy H. “Dolly” Reed have all predeceased Corkey. He was a 1942 graduate of BMC Durfee High School, the first in his family to do so. A veteran of WW II, he served his country honorably in the United States Army. Corkey has always had a keen interest in machines and how they worked. He spent most of his adult life as an auto mechanic for the family business, Reed Motor Company, on Second Street. Later, he also worked in other capacities for Porier AMC of Fall River and Saccucci Lincoln Mercury Honda in Middletown, RI.
Upon retirement, Corkey sold the family homestead on June Street and took up residence in several of Fall River’s retirement communities. He loved all animals, especially cats. Midnight, and later, California Dancer, were his constant companions. Corkey also enjoyed traveling on bus tours throughout the United States. Some of the more memorable ones include, New York to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and Branson, Missouri. He was also an avid baseball fan of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Corkey is survived by many nieces and nephews. He moved to Michigan 9 years ago to be closer to some of his nephew, Frank Morin’s children. Corkey lived independently in his own apartment at Marsh Pointe Apartments in Haslett, MI with the help of his care giver, Jenny Mullins, and his niece, Susan Southwick, until the last year of his life.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 at the Potter Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.
Visitation will be from 10 - 11 A.M. prior to the service.
Corkey will be laid to rest in the family plot in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation can be made to Faxon Animal Rescue League of Greater Fall River, 474 Durfee Street, Fall River, MA 02720 or Forever Paws Animal Shelter, Inc., 300 Lynnwood Street, Fall River, MA 02720.