Reed O. Williams

He was born July 31, 1955, in Warren, and was the youngest child of Earl and Helen Williams.

Reed was a lifelong resident of Cortland. He was a free spirit who had kind words for all he came across in his life. He was a gifted artist and painted many oil canvasses, lithographs, sketches and pottery. He traveled the world visiting places most would dream of going. Reed was a foodie. He loved food and could prepare the most gourmet dishes that would rival any master chef. Reed had a love for nature and could create stunning landscapes that were meticulously thought out with much attention to detail. Mostly Reed was fun loving, soft spoken and a gentle man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Reed graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1974. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Kent State University. Early in his career, he worked for Trumbull County Mental Health as a recreation director. He later put his artistic talent to work and became co-owner and operator of Artwork to Wear in Cortland. For 25 years, he designed and repaired beautiful pieces of jewelry. His last employment was with Stratton Creek Wood Works in Kinsman.

Reed was a beloved brother and uncle and is survived and remembered by his loving family.

Surviving family include brothers, Earl (Linda) Williams and Bruce (Bonnie) Williams; and sister, Jill (Barry) Gilliland; nieces and nephews, Megan (Joe) Schmidt, Ryan Williams, Stacie (Ray) Salyard, Chris (Kate) Williams, Russ Nardo, Rick (Celia) Nardo and Beth (Greg) Snyder; and great-nieces and -nephews, Maura, Nolan, Mason, Julia, Joey, Tristen, Garrett, Morgan, Jameson, Jackson, Mercedes, Stella and Sebastian.

Reed was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Helen Williams; and brother, Gary Williams.

A memorial service to celebrate his life with family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cortland, with Pastor Denise Gunderson presiding. Visitation with family will begin one hour prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service. A memorial dinner at the church will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to be made to Trumbull Art Guild, Youngstown Symphony or the charity of your choice, in memory of Reed.

Cremation has taken place. Staton Borowski Funeral Home took care of the cremation arrangements.

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