Tyler Benton Reid

Tyler Benton Reid lived with a quiet courage and a heart full of conviction. He was a thinker, a protector, and a gentle soul with a fierce sense of justice. Whether through small acts of kindness or his larger calling to serve, Tyler sought to make the world better—more just, more humane, and more whole.

Tyler was born in College Station, Texas, and spent much of his early childhood in northern New Jersey, where his imagination and curiosity took root. He made wonderful friendships through playground adventures, Pokémon battles, and mastering the Nintendo Wii. Even then, Tyler’s interests ran deeper than most. He was fascinated by how things worked and was determined to understand the intricacies of the world.

In 2013, Tyler and his family moved to Prosper, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Prosper High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, graduating magna cum laude. But even greater than his academic achievement was his deep desire to serve and protect—choosing to bring his intellect and discipline to the United States Marine Corps. As a Lance Corporal on the path to becoming a Signal Intelligence Analyst, Tyler was preparing to use his mind and training in service of something bigger than himself. He believed deeply in righting wrongs, and in his own words, “stopping the bad guys”.

Tyler was an explorer in every sense. He loved learning about foreign cultures, trying global foods, and biking for hours to see where the road might lead. He could spend hours immersed in a book or a game—always learning and thinking. His passions were many: cybersecurity, history, philosophy, and the process of discovery.

Tyler’s mind was sharp, his heart soft, and his presence steady. He believed in kindness, service, and in the idea that one person can truly make a difference. While at Naval Air Station Pensacola, he quietly and consistently helped the homeless veterans he encountered. He knew their names and their stories. He brought food, gave money, and most of all, offered dignity and human connection. He indeed made the world a better place.

Tyler was a light in the lives of so many—a young man with integrity, intelligence, and heart. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. May he find eternal peace, and may we honor his legacy by living with the same quiet strength and compassion he carried with him.

Tyler is survived by his mother, Michelle (Okruhlik) Reid, and his sister, Sydney Reid; his grandparents Arnold and Phyllis Reid; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him beyond measure. He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Reid; grandparents, Daniel and Bobbie Okruhlik; and uncle, Bryan Reid.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Semper Fi & America's Fund, https://thefund.org/donate/

A celebration of life with military honors will be held on Monday, July 7 at the Aggie Field of Honor Chapel at 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow.