Ronald D. Reed

The year Ronnie was born, his dad, Norvel, and Lee Buesink formed a partnership and opened the Livestock Auction Salebarn on Route 430 in Sherman, N.Y., where he was brought up in the cattle business. In 1940, his parents opened a meat market on Main Street in Sherman and Ronnie was in charge of preparing the chickens to sell. At the age of 11, Ronnie bought his first cow and at the age of 14, he was so busy dealing in cattle that he had to hire a driver to get him from farmer to farmer.

In high school, Ronnie was a stand out on the grid iron. He played 6 man football and was the only fullback to ever call all the plays. After graduation, he immediately continued into the family business, Norvel Reed & Sons and in 1964 they incorporated the business where he was co-vice president along with his brother, Norvel Jr., while his sister, Joan Mary was the secretary. Ronnie and Norvel Jr., were the auctioneers and Joan Mary was the clerk. Every Tuesday and Thursday you would find them in the auction ring. They grew the business to employ over 30 people, eventually opening a second livestock auction in Gerry, NY.

Ronnie didn’t attend college, but if you were to ask him where he graduated from he would always say, “The School of Hard Knocks”. He did think college was important and made sure all of his grandchildren were able to afford a great education.

In 1980, Ron was one of the founding partners of North Florida Holsteins located in Bell, Fla. After a few years in operation, NFH was one of the largest dairies in the state. Ron continued dealing in cattle until the day he passed.

Ron was a generous philanthropist, donating land and funds to many organizations throughout the Sherman Community. He was proud to be part of the Chautauqua County Mounted Sheriff Division where he served for many years. Along with being a “Mounty”, he was also a lifelong member of Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church, Stanley Hose Fire Department, National Auctioneers Association and New York State Cattle Dealers Association, just to name a few.

Ron is survived by his children: Ronald D. Reed II (Beth) Reed of Sherman, N.Y., Jane R. (Jon) Babcock of Clymer, N.Y., Ann (Steve) Denny of North East, Pa., and Ryan (Marlene) Reed of Newport Coast, Calif.; grandchildren: Joshua (Kirsten) Babcock, Sarah Babcock, Michael (Kaylyn) Reed, Ellen (Bryan) Reed, Heath Reed, Stephen (Georgia) Denny, Maria Denny, Gavin Reed and Sophia Reed; two great-grandchil-dren: Corbin and Lawson Reed; a brother, Norvel T. (Sandy) Reed Jr.; and a sister, Joan Mary Speck.

Ron is predeceased by his parents, Norvel T. Reed, Sr. and Eunice Reed and brother-in-law, Jerry Speck.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be made to The Stanley Hose Co. 1. 122 Park Street, Sherman, N.Y. 14781.

Visitation hours are Monday, (April 19, 2021), from 4-7 p.m. at the Spitzer Funeral Home, 135 Miller St., Sherman, N.Y. and Tuesday (April 20, 2021) from 10-11 a.m., at the Edwards Chapel, 9227 Cherry Hill Rd, Clymer, N.Y. where a funeral service will follow at 11 am. COVID regulation will be in effect. Please expect delays as capacity is limited due to COVID regulations. Please wear a mask and maintain proper social distance. The funeral service will be lived streamed.

Contact the funeral home for more information, 716-761-6739.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler.