Kevin Harlan Reed

If you knew Kevin, you know he’s been a philosopher since he first entered this world. Born to his parents Max and Kim Reed in December of 1993, he was the oldest of 2 and perhaps a bit less mouthy than his younger brother, Jacob. He was a child of books and knowledge. To put it in direct perspective, by age 6 he was already creating museums in his room to show off his many history books. (Books acquired by his father but they were still “his” books, nonetheless.) He had an indescribable ability to soak in everything he read. By the 4th grade he was participating in National Geographic Bees. Being on national television in the early 2000s while watching it from a classroom was a sincere experience for many at SCES. He liked to leave the History Channel on repeat and enjoyed screaming back the answers to the capitals of states asked by Jerry Cook on the football field. By the time he got into high school he was already diving into after-school debate teams about Bible history and earning the title, “thee” class president. You would’ve thought he was running for the United States presidential election. He was committed to his schooling and would often give thanks to Rick Farney and his father, Max, for being a key factor in his hunger for history. He kindly graduated with the class of 2012. As soon as high school was over, he wasted no time enlisting into the United States Air Force. He worked alongside the intelligence committee for his 4-year stint and was often in charge of briefing pilots for the missions they would be attending. He traveled abroad to 27 countries in that time. He was a huge fan of European history and took great pride in learning the cultures of every country he stepped foot in. After finishing his time with the USAF, he became a member of the Air National Guard. It was always his goal to attend UTK, and the guard allowed him to do just that. There he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2019. Alongside him through this portion of his schooling was his wife, Jacklyn. The two became one in December of 2020. Sharing a deep faith in Christ, a love for one another’s company, and a mutual passion for travel, Kevin and Jacklyn built a strong and lasting covenant. The couple soon relocated to a town just south of Huntsville to begin their new life together. Shortly after, they welcomed a baby boy into the world, Clark Harlan. He was born on a warm day in April and tends to have the same desire to be studious in nature like his father. Jacklyn, Clark, and Kevin would often make weekend visits to his family in Tennessee as he enjoyed Watts Bar’s fishing with his dad (Max) and his KiKi’s (Kim) fresh southern home cooking, as a reminder of life in Spring City. He was a Godly man and was a great role model for one to look to. Kevin always had an answer and could rattle off any Bible verse or any date related to a historical event. He was the human A.I. of answers. His younger brother would often call just to hear Kevin’s insights on life, religion, or history. Kevin always made time to answer—and never gave just the facts; he made sure to explain the deeper context behind every response. He will be deeply missed, and it was an honor to have him with us for the time we did on this Earth. While he now rejoices, pain-free, in the presence of our Heavenly Father, his kind and gentle soul will be laid to rest beside his beloved grandmother, Terry—and not far from his dear friend and cousin, Dakota Howard Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Jacklyn Reed; his son, Clark Harlan Reed; his parents, Max and Kim Reed; his brother, Jacob (Kaitlin) Reed; his nephews, Collin and Keaton Reed; and many others who loved and cherished him. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Terry Hood, and his grandfather, Max Reed Sr. You may make memorial gifts to Vibrant Emotional Health Development Office, 80 Pine Street, Floor 19, New York, NY 10005. If you are having problems and need to talk to someone, please contact the Suicide Hotline at 855-274-7471. Please share your memories and photos of Kevin on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com. The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Kevin Harlan Reed

December 5, 1993 - May 22, 2025