Clifford Castleman Reed Jr., lovingly known as “Cliff,” and to many as “Captain Reed,” passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, in College Station, Texas, at the age of 77. He was born on September 22, 1948, to Clifford Reed Sr. and Dorothy Reed.

Cliff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, firefighter, teacher, mentor, and friend. He shared 25 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Deborah Reed.

He is survived by his children: Tony Reed (Jennifer Reed), Jennifer Evans (Dwayne Evans), Kristi Zawacki (Aaron Zawacki), and Misty Scalise (Brent Scalise). He was a proud grandfather to Hunter Reed, Noah Reed, Allie Reed, Melanie Bush, Robert Fassy, Ashlee Evans, Chloe Evans, Chace Zawacki, Grace Zawacki, Beau Scalise, and Brittany Moore. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Tristan Gause, Alexis Mclauchlan, Abigail Bush, Anthony Moore, and Callie Moore.

Cliff is also survived by his siblings Maribeth Dorr, Victor Reed, Hazel Lampton, Cheryl Darling, Barbara Ann Pyle, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Louis Reed; his mother, Dorothy Mallia, stepfather Marion Mallia; his father, Clifford Reed Sr.; and his stepmother, Helen Reed.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Captain Reed dedicated 34 years, 11 months, and 18 days to the fire service — a calling that was not just a career, but his passion and purpose. Over his 34-year career, Captain Reed served the citizens of Houston at some of the busiest firehouses in the city, including Districts 46, 34, and 68.

In his early years with the fire department, he often worked two and sometimes three jobs to provide for his family, demonstrating the unmatched work ethic and sacrifice that defined his life.

The fire department was woven into the fabric of who Cliff was. He lived and breathed the job, taking tremendous pride in the brotherhood and sisterhood, traditions, mascots, and mottos of the stations he served. Station 25 was known as “First In, Last Out” — a motto Captain Reed embraced wholeheartedly, proudly reminding others they would not leave until the structure was free of victims and the fire was out.

Captain Reed’s impact on the fire service extended far beyond the walls of the stations he loved. In the 1980s, he invented the “Reed Hood,” a groundbreaking piece of firefighter protective equipment created to protect firefighters from devastating heat and steam burns. What began as an idea inspired by real dangers on the fireground became a revolutionary advancement in firefighter safety.

With the help of his mother, who hand-stitched the first 400 hoods, Cliff’s design was patented in 1986 and went on to influence modern firefighter protective equipment still used today. His innovation helped save and protect countless firefighters across generations — a legacy of service, sacrifice, and protection that perfectly reflected the kind of man he was.

A LIFE FULL OF LOVE & LAUGHTER

Beyond firefighting, Cliff loved teaching, volunteering at church, fishing, playing golf, hunting, and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Some of his happiest moments were spent with Deborah riding on the back of his Harley, enjoying the freedom of the open road with their dear friends in the Wind & Fire riding family.

He had a larger-than-life personality, a contagious smile, and a gift for storytelling that could light up any room.

He was hilarious and loved making people laugh. One of the family’s favorite memories was how he would immediately cough anytime someone said the word “salt” — something his family and coworkers teased him about endlessly. He was also famous for wearing flip-flops no matter the weather — whether in the snow or even while chasing a fire on his day off.

A MAN OF FAITH

Above all else, Cliff loved the Lord. His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life, and he wanted everyone he met to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

One of his favorite scriptures was Acts 16:31:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

While his family deeply mourns his loss, they rejoice in knowing they will see him again. They will forever miss his strong presence, infectious smile, warm hugs, unwavering love, and larger-than-life presence.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

Second Baptist Church – Cypress Campus 29900 Highway 290 Cypress, Texas 77433

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 2:00 PM

CELEBRATION OF LIFE RECEPTION

Frio Grill & The Barn 16410 Mueschke Road Cypress, Texas 77433

Immediately following the service

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather for fellowship, food, and remembrance. Food and beverages will be available for individual purchase.

In lieu of flowers please donate to The Marilyn Schmidt Ag Outreach Program it is a 501c3 dedicated to providing agriculture opportunities for students in 4-H and FFA to show livestock and succeed at the highest level.

https://venmo.com/u/Chad-Schmidt-60

“We’ll see you again, Captain Reed, through the pearly gates and to the left.”