David Stewart Reed passed away on June 10th, 2021 at the age of 73. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 20th, 1948 to parents Lillian Louise (Lee) Reed and Ralph (David) Reed.
In his teens, his parent’s relocated to the Florida Panhandle where David enjoyed the sun and surf. As an adult he lived in Fort Walton, Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe Beach, and Greenhead, Florida.
An entrepreneurial spirit led him boldly into many business endeavors including a company he created called Colorama Designs in Port St. Joe, Florida. The company not only created beautiful souvenirs and keepsakes encapsulating the essence of the Florida Gulf Coast but it also created much needed quality jobs (many for women) in the town throughout the 1980’s and 90’s.
In later years, he worked as the “Culligan Man” and eventually for his own company Hague Quality Water providing “Water for life!”, as he often said. For work he traveled back and forth crossing Washington, Bay, Walton, Gulf, and Franklin counties putting hundreds of miles on his old white Jeep. When living his best life, he could be found standing behind a charcoal Weber deftly demonstrating the expertise of someone with decades of experience; a true Grill Master in his element. He would shuck large sacks of oysters to the delight of his daughters and their families providing delicious food and great company.
David had a decades-long love for Bobby Bowden and FSU football. He enjoyed many hours at Doak S. Cambell Stadium often with his dear friend David Brown or his kids. His home office was a shrine to the legacy of Bowden and the Seminoles. In his house, the friend’s of his kids were welcomed and treated like family.
He loved animals and cared for many pets along the way. Nothing truer can be said about David Reed than he loved his children. He taught by example never to miss an opportunity to say, “I love you and I’m proud of you.” He said, “As you get older, you realize with clarity that family is everything. And that’s it, Really”.
In his final years, David battled dementia. It was this illness that would tragically rob him of time, memories, and reason. Still, thoughts of caring for his children were his most enduring. He hoped against all odds to get better so that he could be there for his youngest, Angel. He was anchored by his love for his children above all else.
He is survived by his spouse Maria, children Shannon, Leanne, Colleen, Vicki, Jeffre, Alex, and Angel, sister Patty and niece Tracy, and his best friend, David Brown.
