December 13, 2024, 75, Goldsboro —

John Harrison Reeder III, age 75, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at WakeMed in Raleigh after many months of declining health. He was the son of Col. John Harrison Reeder II and Naomi Ruth (Joni) Johnson both deceased.

He is survived by three sisters; Tara Reeder Dunn (Nephews: Bradley & Jeremy Dunn) of Smithfield, N.C. who has been his caregiver for the past few years. In addition, he is survived by his other sisters Sherry Gail Reeder of Decatur, Georgia, and Melanie M. Reeder of Morehead City, N.C. He has 3 sons, Tim, Johnny & Matt, and 6 grandchildren. The two nephews named above and a new great-nephew named Hudson.

After graduating from Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C. John attended East Carolina University. During his career, he worked for Honda of Raleigh in many different positions and for the Tarheel Electric Membership Association as a purchasing agent. He also owned a landscaping business in Hilton Head, S.C. Later in life, John worked in the resale market around Smithfield and Selma, N.C. He was an excellent negotiator.

John was a kind-hearted soul who was always willing to help people in need. For several years he was a caretaker for his Aunt Margaret who lived in Morehead City, N.C. He volunteered with local Veterans groups in the Smithfield/Selma area. John also worked with Habitat for Humanity alongside his Dad. Mechanics and carpentry were among his many skills..

John had become much of a recluse since COVID. Having suffered from mental illness for most of his life he fought his demons for years, which was no secret to those who knew him. Despite the rough roads he traveled down he remained one of those people who would “give you the shirt off his back.” Now he rests in peace and no pain to soar the skies with the eagles.

We would also like to thank The Landings Assisted Living in Smithfield, NC. The staff, nursing care, and kindness were much appreciated throughout the years. While at Wake Med’s MICU the nurses and doctors were of great assistance to ease his passing.

No funeral will be held per Brother John’s request. If you wish to make a donation in his name to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Johnston County Chapter at www.namijoconc.org