Graham Eustace Reid, II "Sonny", "Tiger", "Scooby Doo"

Graham (Sonny, “Tiger” Scooby-Doo) Eustace Reid II was born on May 24, 1943 to the proud parents of Graham E. Reid Sr (deceased) and Cleo G. Brown-Reid (deceased) in Buffalo, NY. Graham, affectionately known as “Sonny,” was the second of two children born to this union. His sister, Valerie M. Reid-McLeish preceded him in death in June 2014.

An active, curious and highly intelligent boy, Graham attended Catholic Academy School #87 in Junior High School, and Seneca Vocation High School for boys where he excelled academically in electronics. Graham ran track and graduated in 1963. He knew that getting a good education was very important to making it in life. Graham enhanced his education at Tennessee A&I State University in Nashville, TN majoring in Electrical Engineering and Building Construction. When he was still a student at Tennessee A&I State University, he was the University Mascot, The Tiger. He was fondly known as “Tiger” on campus. The University honored him with a University yearbook all about “The Tiger” because he was the best Tiger Mascot ever. Graham was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

As an early teenager, Graham accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. This decision made a great impact in his life and he joined the Emmanuel Temple Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Buffalo, NY.  He also sang in the choir. His walk with the Lord and his strong faith greatly impacted his life and the decisions he would make. Biblical principles were the foundation he stood on. While still a student at Tennessee A&I State University he transferred his membership to the Meharry SDA Church, now known as Hillcrest SDA Church. He continued to sing in the male choir, was an usher, and taught swimming lessons to the Hillcrest SDA Pathfinder Group.

Graham was still a student at Tennessee A&I State University when he met the love of his life in 1963, Louella Deloris Williams. Their love grew stronger and on September 11, 1967 Graham married the love of his life, Louella Deloris Williams in Folkston, GA. This Marriage was the example of a love and commitment to last a lifetime of 56 years. To this union was born Graham E, Reid III (Angela) of Tallahassee, FL; Jonathan Douglass Reid of Nashville, TN; Jason Coulough Reid (deceased); and Demetria Coulough Reid (deceased). They also have an adopted son-in-love, Charles Anthony Womack (Stacee) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Goddaughter, Lorre M. Reagon of Madison, TN. Graham proved to be the best example of a godly man, husband and father.

Graham was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1968. He faithfully served in Vietnam and Okinawa, Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1971. After returning to Nashville, TN he was a loyal, committed and hard working man full of wisdom, integrity and sternness. These qualities were exhibited throughout his work career.

Throughout his life, Graham was employed by Vanderbilt Hospital as an Orderly. He was also employed by Riverside Hospital as the Maintenance Supervisor, Meharry Hubbard Hospital as Supervisor, Metropolitan Nashville Public School as a Vocational Woodwork shop teacher, a carpenter for the State of Kentucky and as Maintenance Supervisor II at the Superior Essex plant in Franklin, TN. He also taught Wado Ru Karate and eventually owned his own Karate studio, “Reid’s Karate Studio” in his home. Graham retired in 2006. In October of 2014, Graham was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. During his journey with Alzheimer’s, he acquired the name “Scooby-Doo” because of his love of the cartoon character.

Graham was dearly loved and was committed to his wife Louella Reid and his children during 56 years of marriage. He loved music, loved to dance. Graham departed this life on September 23, 2023 to go home to be with the Lord.

Graham leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, wife Louella W. Reid, sons Graham (Angela) E. Reid III of Tallahassee, FL, Jonathan D. Reid of Nashville, TN, Son-in-love Charles A. (Stacee) Womack of Murfreesboro, TN, Goddaughters Lorre M. Reagon of Madison, TN, Sonya Y.(Kevin) Crutcher of Collierville, TN, Adrienne M. Reagon of Nashville, TN, Daughter-in-love, Bridgette V. Cannon of Nashville, TN. Grandchildren are Amber Reid, Phatarios Hall of Tallahassee, FL, Imani Reid of Murfreesboro, TN, Jameela Reid, Jonathan Reid-Bradley, Jeremiah Reid-Nakley, Jade Reid, Jaylon (Da’Keadrian), all of Nashville, TN; Raven Morrison and Chance Womack of Murfreesboro, TN.  Great Grandchildren are Taivon Reid of Nashville, TN, Phatarios Jr of Tallahassee, FL, Aubrielle of Tallahassee, FL. Niece, Velda McLeish of Buffalo, NY., Nephew, Christian McLeish of Philadelphia, PA. Sister-in-laws, Draydean (Johnny, deceased) Smith, Geraldine (Carlton, deceased) Williams of Gwynn Oaks, MD. Brother-in-law, Melvin (Barbara)Williams Sr. of Mays Landing, NJ.

Graham also leaves 5 Grand-godchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and a host of devoted cousins, friends, and extended nieces and nephews, the Hillcrest SDA church family, and all of the doctors and nursing staff at the Alvin C. York VA facility, building CLC West to carry his beloved memory.