Obituary: J.P. Reid, 73, Holy Cross
J.P. Reid, 73, of Holy Cross, took his last earthbound breath Thursday, April 27, 2017. He was born the fifth of nine children in a Holy Cross farmhouse to Mary Josephine (Bert) and Joby Reid.
J.P. REID
With the spirit of a farmer and the mind of a business man, he began his career as a produce clerk and butcher for Kroger in Bardstown. Early in their marriage, he and Brenda took a risk to purchase the Loretto Key Market and go into business. They delivered groceries to area residents, granted credit long before credit cards came along, and would open the store for a parent with a sick child to get cough syrup on Sunday or late at night. They also managed the transition of Loretto Key Market to Loretto Foodland and continued its ownership until the early 1990’s.
While owning Loretto Foodland, he and Brenda expanded their business to include Fast Food Mart in Springfield and Fast Food Mart in Bardstown. He also loved to provide fresh meat by running a meat truck delivery route to surrounding stores. The meat was slaughtered at the Loretto Butcher Shop which he owned.
His nature drew him to the land and his love of farming. During his lifetime, he owned land in Washington and Marion County and employed numerous local lads. He was generous in helping other farmers and his farm hands quietly.
Those who spent time with him soon learned to be ready for a quick come-back or witty turn of phrase. Or, to know that he would have the account balance figured long before you had the chance to write the numbers on paper. He loved to tease children and coach them on how to pull tricks on their parents. He enjoyed having his family and friends around a big black kettle of chicken soup or mutton on the farm.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Mike Reid; and best friend and former wife, Brenda Reid.
He is survived by two daughters, Robin Reid (Ashley Bush) of Mackville and Lydia Reid of Louisville; four sisters, Recie Downs of Louisville, Bernadette Brian (Everett) of New Haven, Marcella Bartley (Bobby) of Holy Cross and Sister Clara Reid OSU of Owensboro; three brothers, Gerald Reid, Stanley Reid (Barbara) and Helman Reid (Darlene), all of Holy Cross; trusted nephew and farm manager, Eddie Reid; his beloved mule, his dog Majic, his cows and his acres of farm land.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 59 New Haven Road, Loretto with burial in the church cemetery with the Rev. Terry Bradshaw officiating.
Visitation is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Rd. in Loretto.
Memorial donations may go to the Holy Cross Cemetery Fund.
The Mattingly Funeral Home in Loretto is in charge of arrangements.
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