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It has been said: “The public can choose when they take a call, but where you’re a cop you gotta take ’em all.”

Gentry Theodore Reed, better known as “Teddy” to his family, friends, and fellow police officers, died September 27 at the age of 78.

Reed was a law enforcement officer, having retired from the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Prior to that he worked as a deputy at the Carter County Sheriff’s Department. He served under Sheriffs Harry Buckles, George Papantoniou, and Bill Crumley. “It was not an easy job, especially for me, his wife, but it was what he loved to do,” said Reed’s wife, Gilda. “He enjoyed helping people and loved his work, and I always tried to support him.”

In fact, not only was work his vocation, but it was his hobby. “He was not content unless he was working. He enjoyed helping people,” Gilda added.

Reed had also served with the Carter County Rescue Squad, when it was an all-volunteer squad. “As a squad member he was always there to help when needed – all hours of the night and on weekends. He also served on roadblocks, collecting funds for the squad to have to operate on,” said Gilda. “It was a different rescue squad than it is now,” Reed’s wife shared.

When he was with the squad, Reed served as a diver. “He enjoyed the water and was a good swimmer,” his wife said.

Reed, when he could no longer serve, was made a Lifetime Member of the Squad.

Reed was one of those people who wanted to be where the action was, and he enjoyed being with people and helping them.

His work didn’t end with being a deputy sheriff and a squadsman. He had served as a deacon in his church at Grace Baptist, where he was an active member. “He loved his church,” said Gilda.

Reed grew up in Immanuel Baptist Church and when he married Gilda, he began attending church with her at Powder Branch Baptist. The couple eventually made Grace Baptist their home church.

He and Gilda had been married for almost 57 years and were the parents of two daughters and a son – Melanie, Jena, and Jeremy. They also had eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

“His children were the love of his life as well as their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed their visits and spending time with them,” said Gilda.

She shared that Teddy enjoyed trips to the beach and get-togethers with friends. And, he enjoyed pizza…that was one of his favorite foods, Gilda shared.

Teddy Reed’s faith was genuine. He firmly believed a Heavenly home awaited him after this life. He put his trust in God and His Word, especially John 14:1: “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?] And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Teddy Reed’s body was laid to rest Sept. 29 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Today, he is walking a beat on Heaven’s streets.