Samuel Reed Obituary

Samuel Reed SEABROOK ISLAND, SC - Samuel L. Reed, 90, of Seabrook Island, SC, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025. Born on July 29, 1934, in Selma, IN. Sam was the oldest son of Merritt C. and Jane (Williams) Reed. A two-sport athlete at Selma High School (class of 1952) (basketball and baseball), Sam continued his athletic legacy at Indiana University, where he played on the freshman basketball team and was a four-year standout for coach Ernie Andress' Hoosier baseball team. While at IU, Sam was awarded the Big Ten medal for athletic and academic achievement. Following undergraduate school, Sam attended the IU Bloomington Law School. Though Sam was an accomplished student and athlete, he would say that his greatest accomplishment while at IU was meeting and marrying his wife of 70 years, Joan (Guinn) Reed. Upon graduation from Law School, Sam, Joan, and their son, Scott, returned to Delaware County, where Sam embarked on a 45-year career at the Muncie, IN law firm of Bracken,DeFur, Voran & Hanley, now known as DeFur & Voran, where Sam eventually became the firm's managing partner. As a young lawyer Sam served as a deputy prosecuting attorney and later served as a U.S. Magistrate. Sam also refereed and umpired high school and college baseball and basketball for several years working his way up to the high school state championship game. Balancing his law practice with the challenges of raising an active family, Sam never hesitated when opportunities arose to support community causes. Serving on the Muncie Community School Board as President and in leadership positions with numerous other boards, including the YMCA, President of Indiana Public Broadcasting, the Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, Muncie Aviation, Cardinal Greenway, and the George and Francis Ball Foundation. Sam also served as a State Representative in the Indiana General Assembly, and countless other local organizations, Sam was awarded a "Sagamore of the Wabash" by Governor Frank O'Bannon. Upon retirement, Sam and Joan moved to a home they built on Seabrook Island, SC. Though "officially" retired, Sam's penchant for community involvement continued as he served as a member of the South Carolina Silver Legislature, the Seabrook Island Town Council, and in a mentoring program for young men. Sam enjoyed his retirement singing in a group called "The Island Choraliers", playing golf, and spending time with family, who cherished their visits with Sam "Peppy" and Joan "Mimi". Sam is survived by a loving family, including his wife, Joan; sons, Scott (Stephanie), Craig (Reashea) of Indianapolis and Steve of Seabrook Island, SC, daughter, Jennifer of Seabrook Island, SC, nine grandchildren (who all know that they are to, as Peppy liked to remind them, "walk with purpose"), five great grandchildren, and his loving dog Abby. Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Reed, his father, Merritt Reed, and his brother, Bill Reed. There will be a celebration of Sam's Life on August 16th at 10:30am at the Johns Island Presbyterian Church.