Roger Lee Reed
1947-2026
The earthly sunset of Roger Lee Reed, 79, of Hancock, Md., came on Monday, October 5, 2026, when he went home to be with the Lord he had faithfully loved and served.
Born on Friday, May 16, 1947, to Earl Samuel Reed and Catherine Virginia Reed (née Fox), Roger came home to older siblings Dorothy, Lucille, William and Carol and was later joined by Carl, Harry, Ray and Lois.
As a young man, Roger went on to serve his country as a United States Marine. It was a title he carried with pride for the rest of his life, often sending family on their way from his home with a salute. By the time he married Sharon Lee Avella on Saturday, March 23, 1968, Roger had risen to the rank of corporal and was stationed at Camp Lejeune. At the time of his honorable discharge, he had achieved the rank of Sergeant.
Their marriage marked the beginning of a life together that would span more than five decades. Through every season that followed, Sharon remained by his side as they built a home, raised their family and shared the life God had given them.
Together, they raised four children, Crystal, Stacy, Regina and Roger Lee. Their family would grow to include sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Each new addition gave him another name to remember, another life to pray over, and, of course, another reason to tell someone just how large his family had become.
Roger spent much of his working life with C. William Hetzer, Inc., retiring in 2012 after forty-seven years of service. He took great pride in the work he completed there, especially the bridge that became known as “Pappy’s bridge.” Even after retirement, he remained close with his Hetzer gang and continued to enjoy their monthly breakfasts together.
Roger leaves behind his wife, Sharon, his “Honey;” his daughters, Crystal Cheshire (Paul), Stacy Golden (Tracy), Regina Hann (Terry) and daughter-in-law Dawn Reed (wife of Roger Reed II); his grandchildren, Caleb Cheshire (Nicole), Micah Cheshire (Christina), Eli Cheshire, Jaclyn Mines (Matthew), Madalyn Hixon, David Hixon, Nicole Song, Tanner Barton (Riley), Shawna Barton (Dakota), Kirkland Barton, Camden Barton, Gabrielle Puffenberger (Jesse), Abigail Reed, Lydia Morris (Levi), Elise Reed and Alex Reed; and his great-grandchildren.
He is reunited in Heaven with his son, Roger Reed II, a reunion he had long looked forward to; his parents, Earl Samuel Reed and Catherine Virginia Reed; and his sister, Bertha Lucille Keefer.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Hancock Assembly of God. Pastor Don Preston officiated. Burial followed at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 17636 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740. Military honors were conducted by the Tri-State Honor Guard.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 W Main St., Hancock, MD 21750.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneralhome.net.
