William "Bill" Reid Jr

William "Bill" V. Reid, Jr. passed away October 5, 2022 at age 72. He was born in Aurora, Colorado on November 10, 1949. He graduated from Colonial High School in 1967. He was employed by the City of Orlando for 32 years.

Bill began his military career in June, 1969 when the US Army invited him to the Republic of Vietnam where he served a tour in Company A, 5th Battalion 46th Infantry Regiment, 198th Light Infantry Brigade (LIB) 23rd Infantry Division (Americal). He joined the Florida Army National Guard in July, 1973, enlisting into Combat Support Company, 2nd Battalion (Seminole) 124th Infantry Regiment, 53rd Infantry Brigade (Sep). He served in the Battalion 21 years holding several positions including Battalion Command Sergeant Major. He was selected to the position of Command Sergeant Major for the 53rd Infantry Brigade (Sep) in June, 1994. In August, 2001, he was selected to be the 211th Regiment Regional Training Instructor (RTI) Commandant. In addition to serving in Vietnam, he also served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Through the years, he received numerous awards. Among them, the Military Order of Saint Maurice and was first to receive the SGM Jimmy R. Mask Outstanding Trainer of the Year award.

He was a life member of EANGUS, life member and founding member of ENGAF serving two terms as President, member of American Legion Post 18, Wildwood, serving as Historian and Service Officer, life member of Americal Division Veterans Association (ADVA), and life member of the Eastern Chapter serving as Secretay and Reunion Coordinator, member of the International Donnachaidh Clan Society and the Florida Chapter where he served as Central/East Area Director, life member of Vietnam Veterans of America, life member of National Infantry Association and others.

He is preceded in death by his father, William V. Reid, Sr. and his mother, Kathleen L. Reid. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sandy Reid, his sister, Lynn Reid, nephew, Garrett Reid, aunts Ruby Bleddyn and Willie Yarborough, and uncle, Clyde Shockley, all of Orlando and many cousins.

He loved to travel. His sense of humor will be missed, as well as, his love for animals. Especially, his dogs.

Graveside service is Monday, October 17 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Military Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.