General Robert H. Reed, 88, (USAF, retired) passed away, quietly, at home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Sunday, December 24, 2017. He was born October 10, 1929, in Elkhorn City, KY, a son of the late Rufus M. and Frankie Muncy Reed. He was predeceased by his seven brothers and sisters.

During his United States Air Force career, he flew 6,100 hours in various aircraft including the F-4 Phantom jet in Vietnam. Other assignments included chief of staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium, Air Force assistant vice chief of staff, Washington, D.C., and the Air Force representative to the U.S. Delegation to the Military Staff Committee, United Nations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the College of Arts and Sciences from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University and completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.

One of his most satisfying assignments was Commander of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base which included the first combat wing for the A-10 aircraft. After retirement, General Reed served as a member of Myrtle Beach Air Base Redevelopment Authority and worked with the City of Myrtle Beach to transform the former base into the Market Common and its surrounding commercial and residential communities.

General Reed continued service to the community through his membership in the Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach, especially on the scholarship committee. He was past member of the Board of Visitors at the Edwards’ College for Humanities at Coastal Carolina University.

General Reed enjoyed the company of fellow pilots as a member of the Order of Daedalians, who honor those who fly and flew in defense of our country.

He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, and he valued his bible study groups there.

Survivors include his wife, Joan ( nee. Starr) Reed, one son, Robert H. Reed Jr (Catherine), three daughters, Elizabeth Robinson (Kevin), Barbara Munden, Suzanne Schneider (Art), nine grandchildren, Katherine, Christopher, Whitney (Tim), Kasey (fiancé, Daniel), Denise (Zach), Renee (fiancé, Ryan), Carrie, Robbie, Julia and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Judy Green (Jim) and his much loved nephews, and cousins and their families, Father Michael Creagan, Tim Creagan, Kimberly McFann, John Hall, Mark Reed, Scott Hyer, Tom and Peggy Pribil, Dan and Patty Branson, Madison Hyer and Thomas Bertron

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 29th at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Myrtle Beach.

General Reed will be buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with full military honors at a later date to be announced this spring.

Memorials may be made to the Daedalian Foundation for scholarships c/o Col William (Bill) Bollinger, 7623 Coteswood Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 or for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School in Myrtle Beach c/o Seton Catholic High School 3501 N. Kings Highway, Suite 102 | Myrtle Beach, SC 29577