Joe Wayne Reed

Joe Wayne Reed, a beloved member of the Cleveland and Boyle communities in Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on October 17, 2023.   Services to honor Joe Wayne's life will be held on October 20th at the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at New Cleveland Cemetery from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Joe Wayne was born on June 5, 1934, in Cleveland, MS, to his loving parents Joe Tom Reed and Maggie Jackson Reed.  He attended Boyle School from first to twelfth grade and graduated in 1952 with great pride, and he cherished those years and memories of classmates and friends. Joe Wayne had a passion for learning and never backed down from a challenge. He also proudly served his country by joining the Army at the age of 19. He spent two years stationed at Camp Gordon in Augusta, GA. His military service instilled in him a great sense of duty and pride in his country.  Those years of discipline and a service resonated throughout his life.

Joe Wayne’s remarkable career began in high school by hauling cotton and beans with his personal flatbed truck. After his honorable discharge from the Army, using his entrepreneurial spirit, he opened his first gas station in Boyle at the location that is now Belazar’s Restautant, and adding a second in Cleveland on Highway 61.  In 1958, he established Reed Dirt & Gravel, and that expanded into Joe Reed and Co., Inc. in 1976, all starting with just one dump truck, which he was under it, more than in it. Through hard work and determination, and his sharp business acumen, he owned and operated several businesses and served on many boards in the Cleveland community.

While Joe's professional accomplishments were impressive, it was his dedication to community service that truly defined him. He became deeply involved in the City of Boyle and served as an alderman from 1985 to 1997. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to the city, he was elected the Mayor of Boyle in 1997 and served until his retirement in 2013.  November 26, 2013 was proclaimed “Mayor Joe Wayne Reed Day”, and later the Town Hall was dedicated to him as a tribute to accomplishments and his tireless service to the community.

Outside of work and public service, Joe Wayne found joy in various hobbies and sports interests. For years he loved playing golf, and in later years he enjoyed his morning coffee group and frequently played dominoes with friends who found him to be highly competitive and a great sport.  His favorite pastimes included his involvement in horse racing and enjoying old Western movies, especially those starring John Wayne.

Joe Wayne Reed will be remembered as a devoted family man who valued his loved ones above all else. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, dedication and unwavering support to his family, his community, and many, many beloved friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, "Dottie" Ruby Earline Mitchell, his daughter Lori Lynn Reed Cobb of Baton Rouge, LA, his son and partner Joe Wayne Reed Jr. and his wife Cristy of Boyle, MS, and grandchildren Hank Cobb and his wife Julia of Baton Rouge, LA, Mitchell Cobb and his wife Gracen of Baton Rouge, LA, Joey Reed and his wife Anna of Cleveland, MS, Brett Anderson and her husband Evan of Oxford, MS. Joe also had the joy of being a great grandfather to Linus “Camp” Campbell, Olivia, Henry, Jack, and Lucy Cobb, and Ann Collins Reed, and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a seventh great grandchild.

Joe Wayne is survived by a sister, Anita Reed Griffith and her husband Nicky of Cleveland, MS. He was the adored and much loved uncle to David Griffith of Cleveland, MS, and Will Reed Griffith of Oxford, MS., whose lives he helped mold.

Joe Wayne Reed's passion for service to others made a lasting impact on the many lives he touched. His dedication and boundless generosity to community and family will forever be remembered as an inspiration for all who had the privilege to know him. May his beautiful soul and generous heart be cherished by the family, community and friends he leaves behind by the sharing of our joyous memories.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Women's Resource Center in Cleveland, MS.  

Pallbearers are Joey Reed, Hank Cobb, Mitchell Cobb, Evan Anderson, David Griffith, Will Reed Griffith, Bern Prewitt, Jr. and Eddie Vaughan.