Reed bought his first pharmacy in 1968 and continued to impact the communities he served for the next 50 years as the retail pharmacy owner-operator of South Houston Pharmacy in South Houston, Texas and Allendale Pharmacy in Pasadena, Texas and as a retail pharmacist for Brookshire Brothers in Livingston, Texas. During his time in pharmacy, Reed expanded into sterile compounding becoming one of the pioneers in home infusion therapy as part of OPTIONCare and created lifelong friendships he held dear with his OPTIONCare colleagues.
Reed was a lifelong member of Rotary and Rotary International, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award for exceptional service and serving as President of The Rotary Club of Livingston, Texas.
He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Livingston, Texas for more than 20 years. He was also an active member of Faith in Practice for over 20 years. His mission work in Guatemala and the Guatemalan people were dear to him and his Faith in Practice colleagues held a special place in his heart.
Reed enjoyed the time spent mentoring young local students and especially enjoyed the time spent mentoring foreign exchange students from Brazil. Fred Elias, one of the foreign exchange students, became like a member of the family in Livingston.
In addition to mentoring young students, Dad also mentored scores of pharmacy students through the Preceptor Program at the University of Houston, created lifelong friendships with fellow pharmacy colleagues and supported the growth and development of pharmacy technicians as committed to caring for the community as he was. Dad's colleagues and friends learned to appreciate his wit and silly antics and loved him for the laughter he brought to their lives.
Dad loved Lake Livingston as much as he loved pharmacy and his friends. He was especially fond of the peninsula committee meetings and the members of the committee. He was a selfless host and shared his home, boat and laughter with all who visited him on the lake. Countless friends, family and guests were bounced about on the innertubes and rockets pulled by Dad in his boat across the lake.
Reed is survived by his wife of 31 years, Paulette Brooks and his dogs Maggie and Logan. His three children, Monica Brooks and partner Cynthia Campman, Reed Brooks and wife Pam Brooks, Michele Brooks-Cappi and husband Louis Cappi and their mother Micki Brown, his brother Tommy Brooks and wife Cathy Brooks, sister Anne Gears, four nieces and one nephew. Reed has four granddaughters, Ashley Brooks and husband David Norelid, Madison Greenawalt and husband Matt Greenawalt, Grace Brooks and Sophie Brooks.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Faith in Practice in Reed's name, Team 760.
Mass will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Livingston, Texas on September 17, 2022, at 10am followed by a Celebration of Life.
Condolences(5)
Howard and Lynn Giles
Thursday, September 15, 2022 We had the pleasure of meeting Reed when we were studying Spanish at the same language school in Antigua, Guatemala, in 2007. He made our time out of class at lunches, dinners and various local outings great fun with his delightful sense of humor. He introduced us to the work Faith in Practice was doing there, and impressed us with his dedication to their efforts. We send sincere sympathy to his family, knowing how important he must have been to them.Regina Dillard
Livingston, TX Sunday, August 28, 2022 Reed was a very wonderful man I had the honor of working with him spending time at his home. He was always caring about everyone and there needs. Gob Bless Reed you will be truly missed. Prayers for you all.BOBBY & MARY LEA WHITE
Goodrich, TX Friday, August 26, 2022 lost the first message-will try again--Yes, Reed you were quite "a character"~that is why we appreciated you~do remember some of your quirky remarks--and "almost enjoyed" taking a med so you could dispense with some of those joyful remarks~~~
Paulette--you do take care---
Miss our Church Family..
Bob/Mary Lea White
Shannon Phengsikeo
Tomball, TX Thursday, August 25, 2022 Dear Uncle Reed,Im sorry you were so sick for so long, I hope you rest easy now. I hope you were met by Mee Maw in Heaven with welcoming arms and answers to all the questions you ever wondered and given closure to the things that made you sad here on Earth. I will never forget you smirk when you smiled and all your funny sarcastic “come backs” to Uncle Tommy’s bad jokes and goofiness. You made Christmas special for me and my sister when we were little packing up a giant box of candy, toys, and random store items from your old pharmacy. You were a Hero to my mother and you did everything you could to make sure your little sister was safe and taken care of when she wasn’t well. Rest in oracle Uncle Reed. I hope to see you again one day. Love, Shannon 8/25/22
darrell
goodrich, TX Wednesday, August 24, 2022 to Paulette and all of Reeds family please accept our condolences for your loss.The community has lost a good man. we pray the lord will hold you in his grace during your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Darrell and Donna Longino