REED, WILLIAM JAMES "WILLIE", 86, passed away at his residence in Andover on December 31,2021. He was born to John and Elizabeth (Chalmers) Reed on July 16, 1935 in Concord, New Hampshire, and grew up in both New Hampshire and Florida. Willie graduated from high school in Florida and joined the Air Force, where he spent 20-plus years, being stationed in Okinawa, Oahu, Hawaii, and Great Falls, Montana. His military service eventually brought him to Wichita, KS, and he started truck driving for Steffens, now Hiland Dairy.

In 1980, Willie met his future wife, Dayle Ruby Smith, in church at Sunday School class. They were married on November 20, 1982 at the downtown United Methodist Church in Wichita.

Willie was very family oriented and loved spending time with his family, especially his fireman grandson. He was a caretaker, and a loving and caring individual. His hobbies included collecting baseball caps, watching Wheel of Fortune every night, and picking up and collecting aluminum cans, many of which he kept if they were unique or unusual. He loved Nascar with a passion and even got the chance to attend a couple of races.

Willie is survived by wife Dayle, children Diana, Tice (Micol), Christina Normandin (Pat), Heather Caylor and Michael Chisholm; grandchildren Meagan, Matthew, Logan, and Joseph and Kaylee; great grandchildren Connor, Jason and Carter; and one nephew, Gary (Cynthia) Reed. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert Reed and Donald Reed; and stepson Kevin Chisholm.