Terrell Clifton Reeder (73) aka “TR” sailed from his earthly adventures and into heaven July 1st, 2020. He was born in Southport Florida to Hiram Clifton Reeder and Iris Gainer Reeder on February 4, 1947. He was preceded in death by his father Hiram (Cliff) Reeder and survived by his loving wife and best friend Juana Mary Gomez Reeder, mother Iris Reeder, brothers Craig Reeder, Jeff Reeder and wife Kathy, sister Karen Reeder Maddox and husband Robert, son James Clifton Reeder, daughter Lauriann Reeder Womble and two granddaughters Madison Nicole and Reghan (Bear) Womble. Terry was also deeply attached to and loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
After serving his country in the Vietnam War as a clearance diver in the United States Coast Guard (1967-1971), he went on to become an instructor at Tom P. Haney. He thoroughly enjoyed more than 2 decades of teaching many students the skill of Marine Mechanics, where he retired in 1996.
Terry had two true passions in life: boating and building. He was an expert designer and carpenter that could be challenged by few. In his life, he personally designed and hand-built 4 beautiful homes, and of course, the incredible S/V “Annie Victoria”, named after his grandmother Annie Victoria Gainer whom he adored. He designed, built, and launched the Annie Victoria in October 1986. He, together with his two sailing buddies, Joe Morris and Jim Lawrence, spent many years living their life to the fullest as “pirates”.
In 1994, Terry met his best friend and soul mate for life when he met Mary Gomez. A match truly made from heaven that cannot be disputed by anyone who knew them. In 1996, they married and took to the seas to begin a 6-year journey of living a life that most could only imagine. Through frequent post cards, from various islands or countries, his family always had the ability to read about their adventures through his eloquent writing. They were true sailors at heart and he always referred to this time as the “Best era of his life”.
In 2002, Terry and Mary decided to change lifestyles and moved to Chipley, Florida, where together with their hard work, design, and skill, they created a beautiful 200-acre farm and his last hand-built home and professional workshop. The farm was complete with animals (horses, cows, donkeys, peacocks, sheep….. you name it, they probably had it at one time or another), tractors, and of course, the BEST BLUEBERRIES!
If you ever had the opportunity to spend time with Terry Reeder, you would know several things about him and his life. He was an Extraordinary man. Gifted beyond words, skilled beyond belief, he was a dreamer that made his dreams come true and was incredibly admired and respected by many. He will be truly missed.
Graveside Services will take place at Gainer Cemetery at Econfina Creek on Monday, July 6th, at 9:00 a.m. All attendees are encouraged to wear a mask and follow social distancing.
Brown Funeral Home of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net
