Ernest Reed

Ernest Lee Reed, Sr., age 82 of Gulfport, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Ernest, also known as “Jive”, was born on March 18, 1937, in Port Gibson, MS to Will and Mary Reed.  Following his older brother, Walter, he relocated to Gulfport, MS.  On December 3, 1961, he married Jannie McClendon and brought to fruition the “baseball team” he always wanted.  Together they raised eight children.  He began work at Riemann Family Funeral Home shortly after and remained there for almost 50 years.

With his wife having to stay home and care for their children, he ensured that his family never went lacking.  Many times his children have voiced they truly felt their parents provided more than they could ever give them in return.

He was a hard worker and took pride in his work.  He instilled this work ethic in his children and grandchildren, even after retirement.

Ernest was most known for being very friendly.  No matter if he saw you at WalMart, Golden Corral, or Cajuns, he would speak.  He never met a stranger and always knew how to make you laugh.  He was a man of many wise sayings and would not hesitate to use them at any given chance.  He will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his son, Perry Reed; five brothers, James Reed, Will Reed, Walter Reed, Andrew Lee Reed, and Percy Reed; four sisters, Lula Woods, Elizabeth Reed, Patsy Duffin, and Willie Ruth Walls.

Ernest is survived by his children, Gary Reed (Shelia), of Madison, MS, Derrick Reed, Sr., Melanie Reed, Tanya Reed, Ernest Reed, Jr., Tara Riley (Shedrick), and Kathy Warnsley (Bobby), all of Gulfport, MS; grandchildren, Lakendra Ewing of Antioch, CA, Ebony Reed and Derrick Reed, Jr., of Gulfport, MS; one sister, Mary Lee Walls, of Junction City, KS; and a host of relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 3, 2020, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, with a visitation from 10:00 AM until the service.  Interment will follow at Monroe Memorial Park, Saucier.