John Emmett Reed

John Emmett Reed, 59 years of age, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away to be with his heavenly Father on 7 August 2023. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on 28 July 1964 to Douglas Andrew Reed Sr. and Robbie Stegall Reed.

He was preceded in death by his older sister, Andrea (Andi) Tamblynne Reed Boren, as well as his paternal grandmother, Ilan Reed, and his maternal grandparents, Johnny and Marguerite Stegall.

John was raised primarily in Georgia, but briefly lived in Jackson, Mississippi where he attended Jackson Christian Academy as a child. In high school, he attended Greater Atlanta Christian School where he graduated and made several life-long friends. John was a true renaissance man, having interests in all areas of life. He played the trumpet in the high school band; when he was young, he played football with his brother Brad on the Blackwell Bears football team, where he carried the moniker “Killer;” he also was on the high school golf team. John was a loving boy, kind and generous to everyone. After high school, John attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, working while attending the University. John loved skiing, and hiking the Appalachian Trail, where he hiked 900 miles straight, a feat that brought him much respect. When he bought his house several years ago, he completely renovated it from ceiling to floor, and he was proud of his accomplishment.

His life became whole when he met his wife, Sherna Gernale. The two married in 2015, and they had a son, whom John simply adored and loved with all of his heart. John named his son after himself and John’s father. His son’s name is Andrew John Gernale Reed, also known as AJ. AJ and Sherna were John’s world, a round world at that. AJ’s birth simply sent him to the moon, the round moon. He dearly loved his son, and wanted so badly to raise him, especially in this confusing, upside down world.

John was a man who loved his family, and his savior, Jesus Christ. He also was his parents’ favorite child.

He is survived by his loving wife Sherna Gernale Reed, his beloved son AJ, his loving parents, Doug and Robbie Reed, his two older brothers, Doug Jr. (Connie) and Brad, as well as his younger sister, Ginny Moreno-Bartlett, also known as Ginny Melynnski, and many other family members, including nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered always for his kindness, loyalty, and integrity. John did not meet a stranger, and during his last days, he talked with everyone and told them of the importance of believing in Jesus.

Services will be held on 19 August 2023, with visitation from 12 pm to 1 pm, followed by a memorial service at 1 pm, with lunch for family and friends at 2:30 pm. Services will be held at Piedmont Road church of Christ, located at 1630 Piedmont Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066.