Dennis "Bear" Reed

Dennis W. "Bear" Reed, 70, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Dennis lived most of his life in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas. He was a 1967 graduate of Highland High School. Dennis earned an Associate's degree at Arkansas State University-Beebe and a Bachelor's degree in education from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. Dennis performed his student teaching duties at Hillcrest Elementary School in Jonesboro and subsequently began a 34-year career as fourth grade teacher all at Hillcrest Elementary presently known as Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School.

Dennis was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a founding member of Northeast Fly Fishers and served in every office of the organization. He was the fly tying Chair of the Southern Federation of Fly Fisher's Conclave and one year was the featured tyer at the National Fly Fisher's Convention.

Dennis was active with Casting for Recovery and Project Healing Waters. He was also an avid ASU Red Wolves Football Fan and a long time platelet donor for the American Red Cross. Dennis enjoyed photography and often carried his cameras equipment along on his fishing ventures and enjoyed both hobbies simultaneously. Dennis loved music, playing his guitar and singing. He could pass countless hours with countless friends playing continuous music. He loved it all.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents: Walter J. and Lois Isabelle Rhine Reed, and a brother Donald Reed.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Rita Reed, married July 4, 1997;
one brother and sister-in-law: Del and Barb Reed of Ankeny, Iowa;
one niece and her husband: Laura and C.J. Van Roekel of Boone, Iowa;
one nephew and his wife: Mike and Mimi Reed of Urbandale, Iowa; and
A special, special friend, Alan Scott.

Rita and the family wish to extend a Special Thank You to Dr. Michael Isaacson and his staff, the Rehabilitation Personnel and the entire medical staff and associates of NEA Baptist Medical Center for the excellent care and compassion given to Dennis. It is appreciated.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Michael Ames and nephew Mike Reed presiding. Burial will be private. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Project Healing Waters, Northeast Arkansas Program, POB 695, LaPlata, MD 20646