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Frank Lynn “Sarge” Reed, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Sarge had a blessed and full life and was deeply loved by his family, his friends and the community as a whole. He wore many hats and accomplished many things but the most important thing about him was his relationship with Jesus Christ.

He was a tremendous football player at Gate City High School, and he received a scholarship offer from the University of Tennessee. He didn’t accept that offer but instead went to play for the Ragin Cajuns of Southeast Louisianna. After a brief stint there he joined the Army where he served for 3 years. He spent time in Korea and earned the rank of Master Seargent.

After the army he enrolled at Emory and Henry College. He played football there and graduated with a bachelors degree in education.

In July 1962, Sarge’s life was changed when he met Bobbie Clark. The couple dated for almost 3 years and were married June of 1965. Shortly after that they moved to Martinsville, Virginia where Sarge taught and coached at Drewry Mason High School. After one year they came back home to Gate City. Sarge was the defensive co-ordinator for the Blue Devils with Head Coach Harry Frye. They enjoyed tremendous success together.

It was while he was at Gate City that Sarge and Bobbie welcomed their Jon in 1971.

Sarge went on to coach at Appalachia High School causing a resurgence in the Bulldogs program. He was also the first head coach at Cherokee High School. He left Cherokee and returned to Scott County as the head football coach of the Rye Cove Eagles, which he renamed the War Eagles. They became a force in SW Virginia football coming ever so close to a state title in 1988. Sarge retired from coaching in 1994, but continued teaching at the Scott County Vocational School. He didn’t stay retired long and was back on the sidelines for the War Eagles. He also served his community by his election as “Supervisor at Large” for Scott County. He served on the board for 2 terms.

After retiring again, he was talked out of retirement, this time to become the Head Coach at Twin Springs High School. The old War Eagle had become a Titan. He loved his time back in coaching and called every player on Saturday mornings to tell them he loved them and to make sure they were ok after a Friday night game.

Sarge became a grandfather in 2005 and he loved his role as “Pa”. He spent a lot of time reading to his grandsons or playing trains in the floor with them.

He loved his family, his friends, his country, and community. He wanted people know they were loved and cared about. He loved Jesus and was passionate about following him. He always prayed with his teams and wanted people to know the love of Jesus. He was a faithful attendee of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church.

Sarge is survived by his wife of 58 ½ years, Bobbie C. Reed; his son Jon Reed and wife Leann, and their 3 sons, Austin, Isaac, and Lane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forb and Vada Reed; 2 brothers, Harlan and Jack Reed; and his sister, Geraldine “Gerry” Brickey.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Amedysis Care and Lifecare at Gray. Also to the amazing staff at Yesterday’s Place (The Villages) who loved him and gave him the best care. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home in Church Hill. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with his son, Rev. Jon Reed officiating. A graveside service will follow to Holston view cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make memorial contributions in honor of Sarge to the house fund at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church.

To leave an online message for the Reed family, please visit us at www.johnsonarrowood.com

Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is honored to serve the Reed family.