George M. Reid

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on May 7, 2010:

George McKinley Reid, Jr. Born April 11, 1927 - Died May 3, 2010 George McKinley Reid, Jr. was born on 11 April 1927 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and was appointed to West Point from the US Army. George had three years of military service to his credit when he joined us on the Plain and it is natural that he found his new environment to his liking. He served as Company Supply Sergeant during our First Class Year. During his cadet days George went out for Soccer his plebe year, was with the French Club cow year, and was a Cadet Supply Sergeant his first class year. On graduation George first married Marty his long time sweetheart and then reported to the Basic Officers Course at Ft. Benning. His first duty station was the 5th Division and he served there until 1952 when he was named Company Commander with the 373rd Air Infantry Battalion in Europe. George resigned his First Lieutenant's Regular Army commission in 1956 and accepted a Reserve commission as a Captain. He then went to work for IBM from where he retired in 1987. George and Marty made their home in Red Hook, New York. The November 1997 Assembly reports that after serving on the town board of Red Hook, NY, for 9 years, George is retiring from politics and will concentrate on golf and travel with Martha. Son Brian is a kindergarten teacher, while David is an engineer in Florida. Son Bill does his engineering work in Maine, and daughter Nancy Jensen has 3 redheads to round out the 6 grandchildren in the Reid family. On May 4, 2010 Marty wrote to the class, "George died peacefully Monday morning, with his family at his side. Survivors are: his wife Marty, sons, Dave, Bill and Brian and his daughter Nancy and 8 grandchildren. George loved keeping up with all of you on email and he loved West Point. He was really hoping to join you all at the 60th, but he will be there in spirit." Marty On May 7, 2010 Charles Satuloff wrote, "Under azure blue skies and brilliant sunshine, George Reid was laid to rest yesterday next to his first-born son, George M. Reid, lll at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Red Hook, NY. The flag covering his coffin was presented to Martha Reid by an honor guard following a rendition of Taps by a bagpiper. This brief and poignant ceremony was preceded by a memorial service at United Methodist Church. There, the filled sanctuary gave testament to George's high standing in the community. Martha, with daughter Nancy, sons Dave, Bill and Brian and spouses and eight grand-children, celebrated the life of George as Pastor, Rev. Thomas Theilmann, described George's contributions of time, intellect and treasure to the church. Organist Jane Bier and soloist Richard Totman offered stirring musical selections. On prominent display were flowers sent by Dud Thompson on behalf the Class. Brian Reid spoke with deep affection for his father as he described George's warm relationship to the family, his many friendships and great love for West Point and his Classmates and golf. In summarizing George's life, Brian concluded with , "WELL DONE". And as to George's description of heaven, Brian commented, it is to drive a long one right down the middle of a fairway at Red Hook Country Club. It was there that a reception was held to further honor George. Grip hands."

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