Royal R. Reed, Jr., 81, of New Bedford, passed away at home on Friday, September 28, 2018 with his family by his side. He was the devoted life partner of Jacqueline O'Neill.
Mr. Reed was born in Acushnet on July 8, 1937, son of the late Royal R. Reed, Sr. and the late Eva (Brown) Reed and grew up in Westport moving to New Bedford in the early 1970's. He shared his birthday with his 2 siblings and they were all born 1 year apart. The greatest joy in his life was rod & reel fishing and he loved being on the ocean on his boat the "River Rat." He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was a NASCAR enthusiast who enjoyed following the races all over the country.
Survivors along with his significant other include his step-son: James O'Neill, III of Crestview, FL; 2 step-daughters: Kathy O'Neill of New Bedford and Christine O'Neill of Fall River; a brother: Stanley L. Reed and his wife Barbara of Lakeview, ME; a sister: Marion E. Manchester of Westport; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was the husband of the late Jeanette (Morris) Reed and father of the late Janice Hankins.
Burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank Veteran Angler Charters and Captain Randall Bagwell and crew for fulfilling Mr. Reed's wish to have one last fishing trip.
If you wish, memorial donations may be made to VA Charters, P.O. Box 504, West Haven, CT 06516 or at veterananglercharters.org.