Johnny C. Reed

Johnny C. Reed “Rock” 78 of South Bend Indiana departed this world surrounded by loved ones on Friday, March 12, 2021. Johnny was born August 19, 1942, in Gunnison, Mississippi to the late Charles B. Reed and Mae Eliza (Overstreet) McCoy.

At the age of 16, the family relocated to South Bend, Indiana where he attended Washington High School. Growing up on the South East Side of South Bend, he met and married Ruby Mae Perry, and even though they divorced (twice) they remained close and Ruby cared for him for several years. During their union they were blessed with four children, one son: Jeffery Reed; and three daughters: Teresa Taylor, Selena (Kenneth) Miller, and Tonya (Ronald) Buntyn, all of South Bend, Indiana; 13 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Johnny worked for Elkhart Products for 35 years before his retirement.

He is survived by two brothers: Fred (Sandra) McCoy of Bastrop, Louisiana and Anthony McCoy of South Bend, Indiana; and one sister, Pearl Lloyd of South Bend, Indiana; one aunt, RuthElla Dent of Cleveland, Mississippi; and a special friend, Claire Jean Jackson of Elkhart, Indiana.

Johnny loved to barbeque and when he was no longer able, he passed on his cutting board and cleaver to his son-in-law, Ronald to carry on the barbequing tradition and was never let down, (he loved his barbeque). Johnny loved playing bingo, fishing, hunting, watching sports, and playing cards with his special brother-in-law, Leroy Lloyd.

Johnny was also preceded in death by his ex-wife and caretaker, Ruby Reed; stepfather, Clyde McCoy Sr. who raised him; two brothers: Clyde McCoy Jr. and James McCoy; one sister, Lillie Littlejohn; brother-in-law, Darryl Taylor; and nephew, Steven Littlejohn. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Signature Healthcare and resident/roommate Dennis Jackson who held his hand until family arrived.

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