Reed Whitesell ’75

11 January 2018

Class: 1975

Major: English

Residence: Wilmington, NC

Deceased: January 9, 2018

Obituary

Born: February 10, 1953

Passed on: January 8, 2018 in Carolina Beach, NC

Reed’s obituary

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  • 2018-01-12 19:05:35
    Laura Graf

    Reed's obituary from the Andrews Mortuary and Crematory, Wilmington NC Jonathan Reed Whitesell, 64, of Carolina Beach, died Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center. Reed was born February 10, 1953 in Albany, NY, son of Katherine Dugan Whitesell and the late Jonathan Reed Whitesell. Two of his brothers, Jim Whitesell and Stephen Whitesell, preceded him in death. Reed grew up all over the United States. One of his many childhood accomplishments was achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of 14. After graduating from The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, Reed attended Carleton College in Minnesota where he earned his B.A. He moved back to Wilmington in the mid 1970’s and briefly worked at the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Center at Fort Fisher. He then joined Talbert, Cox, and Associates where he made life-long friends with whom he shared many unforgettable Friday night cookouts. After working for Rick Catlin Engineers and Scientists, he settled at Holland Consulting Planners. Whether it was writing proposals or driving all over eastern North Carolina (where he found some amazing barbecue places), Reed was extremely dedicated to his job and knows everyone at HCP will continue to hold down the fort for him. Affectionately known as ‘Mr. Reed’ by all who loved him, he was an amazing cook – his barbecued ribs were famous (he loved the charcoal grill). He was a frequent contender in many local chili cook-offs, as well. He was a talented musician; he played the guitar, harmonica and sang. He founded the Road House Blues Band many years ago. Whether it was The Pony Express, Burrito Bob's, Katy's, The Ice House, or Kefi’s, they always kept the house rocking. He also loved to play the acoustic guitar and played many gigs on The Island in recent years with his fellow Tide Traveler. Reed was a dedicated, die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan who bled purple and gold. He never missed a game on t.v. and enjoyed many live games with his siblings. Reed was a true friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Once you met ‘Mr. Reed’, you never forgot him. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his two sons, Jim (Rasika) Whitesell and Joe Whitesell, both of Wilmington, and one grandson, Rowan Whitesell of Wilmington. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Ed) Walser of Manassas, VA, brother, Davis (Heather) Whitesell of Eliot, ME, sister, Beth (Jack) Andruszkiewicz of Tucson, AZ, brother, Andrew Whitesell of Round Pond, ME, brother, Dan Whitesell of Morehead City, sister-in-law, Marisa Whitesell of Chapel Hill and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 1pm Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Andrews Valley Chapel with Rev. Bob Kus officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 12pm until the service hour. Interment will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

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