Paul C. Reed
September 18, 1940 - December 28, 2022
Paul C. Reed of Pendleton, SC, has died. He was 82.
Paul would be both angry and disappointed if we focused on the manner of his death, rather than the meaning of his life. His life’s impact has been varied and vast. He has been a pastor, an educator, a businessman, an entertainer, a motivational speaker.
Paul’s parents were Paul F. Reed, married to Betty, and Garnet Shaw, married to Tom. A brother, Bob, preceded him in death. He was a devoted husband to Kate (Katherine M. Thaman); father to Brad and Therese Reed (Troy, OH); John and April Reed (Huntsville OH), Tom and Debbie Reed (Dublin OH), Tim and Toni Scully (Troy OH), Jane and Dan Johnson (Casstown OH); and Sarah and Bob Forschner (Springboro OH). Paul was delighted to be grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather to a family tree too broad and diverse to name here. He was preceded in death by one grandson.
Paul’s overriding purpose in life was to help others toward understanding, as a teacher and school administrator, by developing tools to help managers and workers around the world to be more productive, through his music and writing, or by his many ministries and good works.
Paul ministered to the spiritual needs of his family, friends, neighbors, and strangers in need through the Saint James Community, a church without walls. His belief that each of us should have a daily experience with the “god of our understanding,” and that no one should seek to impose their personal doctrines on others, helped create an open, inclusive and curious community of individuals seeking meaning, comfort, and understanding. Saint James Community, he wrote, is “a collection of teacher-learners trying to discover spiritual freedom and acceptance among others who embrace and encourage our individuality.” We can all respect his philosophy by remembering Paul and those he leaves behind in the same manner.
Celebration of Life ceremonies will be scheduled for Paul’s Ohio and South Carolina loved ones at times and places to be determined. The Saint James Community neither solicits nor accepts donations. Paul’s end of life care was enhanced by Hospice of the Foothills, Seneca SC; charitable gifts in Paul’s memory would be welcomed. To support hospice care, please contact OMH Foundation at 864-885-7912 or online at https://www.prismahealthupstategiving.org/oconee-donation/.
The Standard Cremation & Funeral Center is serving the Reed family and a message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.standardfuneralcenter.com.