Douglas Nelson Reed (né Smith), citizen of the Cherokee Nation, retired TSgt, USAF, left this world November 28, 2022. He was 79 years old. Reed was born March 9, 1943 in Columbus, Mississippi. He grew up in Vian, Oklahoma.  He moved to Norman, OK in 1954, and graduated from Norman High School in 1962. He briefly attended the University of Oklahoma.

He spent twenty-two years in the military, retiring in 1984. He continued working at the Port of Tampa for GATX, Kinder Morgan and as recently as July for Loadmasters. He defined himself through work and was a proud veteran.

Whil e stationed in Manila, Philippines in 1969, he met his wife Marti who was teaching there through the Department of Defense. They would have been married 52 years December 5. He loved Chevy vehicles, NASCAR, University of Oklahoma football, yard work, and projects. He was never without pets, and his dog Iris will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Marti (Martha née Dabb), his children Douglas N. Jr (Suzanne), Julie, son-in-law Nick Thompson, three granddaughters Cheyenne, Lilith, and Ella, his sister Joan Mueller (Ted), [and] his brothers Chad, Shane, Dwight, and Kyle Smith, his Uncle Donald J. Quinton (Kathy), niece Cyndee Agee, and nephews Johnny Day, and Lorance Hudson. He leaves behind many other family and long-time friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ada Lee Reed (née Duffield), his father John Reed, his birth father Nelson A. Smith, and his sister Cheryl Snelson. He was a complicated father and husband. He defied death several times and lived a life longer than many expected--by sheer will and stubbornness. He is loved by his children, wife, extended family, granddaughters, and friends.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2:30-4:00 at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, Riverview, FL.  Services will follow at 4:00. A reception will be held at Riverview United Methodist Church after the service.