William “Willie” Joseph Reed passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in Billings, Mt.
Willie was born October 5, 1970 in Wolf Point, Montana to Cleo and Oliver Reed. He was raised in Montana, Arizona, and Wyoming.
Willie was an outstanding athlete from the beginning. Living in Wolf Point during elementary school Willie and his younger brother, Daryl, were in Little League Baseball winning many awards. Moving to Billings, Willie won Billings City Wrestling for 6 year olds. He also played in Little Guy Football.
Moving to Wyoming, Willie attended Junior High and High school at Fort Washakie and Ethete. Willie excelled at basketball and football. Willie and Daryl were members of the Wyoming Indian High School Chiefs Championship Basketball team.
After high school, Willie married Michelle Harris and joined the United States Marine Corps. Willie and Michelle had two children Johanna and Robert “Rob” Reed. Later Willie and Michelle divorced. After serving in “Desert Storm,” Willie finished his tour of duty and was honorably discharged.
After his service in the military, Willie was employed by the National Guard as a mechanic. He worked there several years and then went to work at Billings Clinic. The last 9 years Willie worked as a carpenter and roofer.
Willie met Laureen Bell Rock and Kaden was born—Willie’s second son. Laureen passed away in 2011. Willie raised his children pretty much as a single dad. His children were his joy and his mom was his rock.
Willie is preceded in death by his mother, Cleo Hamilton, Grandparents, Joe and Gladys Jackson, and Joe Reed, aunts Patty (Pete) Stump, Lynn Campbell, and Darla Payne. Willie is survived by his daughter, Johanna and grandsons Joey and Jonah, sons Robert “Rob” and Kaden Reed all of Billings. Sister, Lisa St. Clair and her children Deanna Azure and Jordan St. Clair of Pablo, MT. Brother, Daryl (Leona) Reed and their Daughters, Kayla, Cleo, Daryana, and Dionna of Parmelee, South Dakota. His Aunts JoEllen (Dale) Grandchamp of Wolf Point and Davey Jean Stewart of Billings, Montana. And numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Willie was seen as a Great father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, and cousin. He will always have a special place in all our hearts.