Harold Reid

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Claude Reid, a loving father, devoted husband, and cherished friend, who passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 78 years old. Hal was the son of the late Lieutenant Colonel Joe W. and Edith Kilpatrick Reid.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Anita Beddingfield Reid; four children, Matthew K. Reid (Lindsey) of Clinton, Ohio, Ashley Reid-Wormgoor (Ron- Peter) of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Ashley B. Creasman (Steve) of Campobello, South Carolina, and Kenneth E. Forte (Nicole) of Inman, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Claire & Maxen Reid, Tucker, Porter, and Sutter Wormgoor.

Born in Hendersonville, Hal led a remarkable life filled with experiences that took him around the world. His adventures began as a young man due to his father’s military service which also instilled in him the values of service, kindness, and dedication.

In 1964, he proudly graduated from Porter Military Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. There he formed life-long friendships and a love of Charleston, a place he and Anita continued to visit and where they created numerous memories that will forever be cherished.

Hal continued his education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he graduated in 1969. Beyond his degree in Political Science, Hal took with him a deep love for Tar Heels Basketball, a passion that stayed with him until his very last day.

Hal served his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy, attending Officer Candidate School for Naval Aviation, where he achieved carrier qualification in June 1970. This qualification was the culmination of a love for airplanes that began as a little boy, and he continued to share the passion, especially when enjoying a nice day watching and identifying the planes passing overhead.

After leaving the Navy, Hal earned an additional degree at Western Carolina University, graduating in 1972 and then going on to become a Certified Public Accountant in 1977. Hal spent the last two decades of his career at Gould Killian CPA Group (formerly Carland & Andersen, LLC).

Known for his dry sense of humor and kind, easygoing nature, Hal was a people-person who found joy in bringing a smile to others' faces. Often not knowing if he was joking or serious, Hal kept his family and friends laughing, even in the most difficult moments. When he wasn't watching a Carolina game, Hal enjoyed dancing with Anita and teaching others the classic South Carolina "shag."
Hal also enjoyed Beach Music and sharing music with others.

Hal will be remembered for his boundless kindness, his love for his family, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, warmth, and a life well-lived.

Hal was a spiritual man and an active member of St. John in the Wilderness, where his faith and devotion to his beliefs were unwavering. To remember Hal’s giving nature, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Backpack Program, 1895 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731.

A memorial service will be held at St. John in the Wilderness on a later date.Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.