BREAKING- Tupelo Pioneer Jack Reed Sr. Passes Away

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TUPELO, MS (WCBI) – Boy Scout –  Businessman-   Bridge Builder   Those are just a few of the accolades being mentioned tonight with the passing of one of Tupelo’s  and Mississippi’s most recognizable names.

Jack Reed Senior died this afternoon at his home surrounded by family and friends.  The 91 year old Reed was a driving force of the  Reed family which turned a dry goods store into one of the most recognizable retail names in the region.  The Tupelo High graduate entered World War Two in 1943 as part of the  signal intelligence service in Japan.  Once returning stateside Reed graduated from Vanderbilt University and returned to Tupelo to operate the retail store and garment maker Reed Manufacturing.  His biggest impact will always be his role in easing Tupelo and Lee County through the civil rights era and the end of segregation. Reed also leaves a legacy of a passion for education reform in Mississippi chairing a Governors Committee on Public Education in 1980 and 81 along with being named to the State Board of Education. Reeds reputation led to the 1987 Republican nomination for Governor where he narrowly lost to Ray Mabus.  That campaign is largely considered to be the first signs of the growth of the Republican Party in the state.   Funeral arrangements are incomplete.   Jack Reed Senior was 91 years old