GARY MICHAEL REED
December 12, 1961 to May 27, 2024
The Village, Oklahoma

Gary's Obituary

In Loving Memory of Gary Michael Reed (December 12, 1961 – May 26, 2024)

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life that touched many, we announce the passing of Gary Michael Reed, age 62, on May 26, 2024. He was born on December 12, 1961, to Robert Forsythe Reed and Gay (Golightly) Reed in Oklahoma City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; uncles, Loren and Michael Reed and Gary Golightly; and grandparents, George and Margaret Golightly, and Shirley Reed and Robert Bryden Reed.

He is survived by an uncle Dr. Scott Reed (wife Donna), a sister, Jenny Hagar (husband Truel); nephews, Tyler Hagar (wife Cassie) and Tanner Hagar (wife Jessica); and five grand-nieces and nephews. From his previous marriage, he is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many other extended family members and friends, and his beloved dog “Lacy”.

Gary and his sister Jenny shared a wonderful childhood. They grew up strong-willed and sometimes had a love-hate relationship as siblings often do. They butted heads but also shared a special sibling bond of love and understanding that only intensified over the years. He loved their family and often spent holidays with them. He was proud of his nephews.

Gary grew up a true adventurer at heart. He reluctantly attended John Marshall High School and couldn’t wait to be out on his own. His love for speed began in the early years of racing in motor cross sports and later extended to fast muscle cars. He spent time skiing the rugged peaks of the Colorado mountains and working as ski patrol and rescue for Winter Park Ski Resort. He surfed the shores of the beaches in Maui and swam with sharks for fun. As a lineman for Multimedia Cable in the 1990s, he climbed high above the landscape and dangled from platforms and wires. He enjoyed cruising along scenic highways on his motorcycle and found joy in the journey and a thrill in the ride.

In 1990, he met Teri Reed, while playing a game of pool at the Samurai Sake House. They married the following year. Teri came equipped with a ready-made family of four grown children. Gary insisted they ride away from the wedding ceremony on a white motorcycle. They spent their honeymoon in Maui, revisiting old adventures and making new ones over the years. During this time, the family expanded to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always called them his “babies” even when they grew into adults. The marriage ended, but the love survived until the end.

As his health began to decline, he stayed busy restoring and collecting muscle cars. His favorite, the Pontiac Trans Am, garnered him many awards and notoriety, as some of his work was featured in both local and national publications. He often worked with his good friend, Bill Woodring, restoring cars that were bought from auctions. This included makes and models he didn’t particularly love, but he worked on them for Bill. He was a member of the Central Oklahoma Pontiac Association (COPA) for many years and once served as the Vice Chairman.

He never lost his love for speed and adventure. In his later years, he kept busy watching OU sports, hockey, and speed racing, along with playing games of pool or darts and racing video games. He enjoyed loud rock music and going to concerts. He enjoyed relaxing by the pool on a summer’s evening. If he knew anyone in need, he went out of his way to help them in any way that he could. He spent countless hours helping others and felt great pleasure if he was able to help. He was a great neighbor, friend, competitor, and companion. He left an indelible impression on many people with his acts of kindness and friendship. He loved his neighbors and his neighborhood. He loved his friends.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of courage, passion, and a reminder to live life to the fullest. While he may no longer be with us, his spirit of adventure will continue to inspire and guide us.

Gary Michael Reed will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As we say goodbye, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on our hearts. May he rest in peace, riding the waves and the open roads of eternity.



No formal funeral service is planned. A memorial gathering/dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 11^th, at 7:00 p.m. at Johnnies Charcoal Grill at 2652 W Britton Rd, Oklahoma City.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to help a pet-in-need at your favorite Veterinary clinic is requested.