Reed J. Vassar, Sr

Reed J. Vassar, Sr., age 94, peacefully departed his earthly life and entered his new life with his Heavenly Father, on December 19, 2015. He was best known as a loving husband, adoring father, and doting grandfather. Within our community, he will be remembered as the founder and owner of R.J. Vassar and Sons Plumbing founded in 1967. A successful company, which is now operated by his family, continues to serve Newport, Cocke County, and surrounding areas with the same excellent quality. Prior to founding his business, he worked at American Enka as a pipefitter. He was an honest and trustworthy businessman a patriot in the truest sense of the word, a friend to all, and one who possessed a true Christian spirit. A native of Lake Placid, New York, Reed was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving his country from April 1941 until he was discharges with the ranking of Sargeant E6 in June 1945 with 34 months, served overseas. He was a member of the 9th Infantry in the U.S. Army, serving in 9 campaigns, including the invasion of Normandy, and in many countries, including France, Sicily, Germany, Belgium and Africa. He received two bronze stars and several other commendations. While on military leave in Washington DC, he had business to do in the Western Union Office, There he greeted by Lenola Gray, who was to become the love of his life and adoring wife of 73 years, The Vassars were faithful members of the First Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reed Leon and Minerva Vassar; grandparents, Henry and Emma Schnitzer of Hamburg, Germany; brother, Donald of Lake Placid, New York; daughter, Sally Shelton; and grandson, Eric McCoig. He is survived by his wife, Lenola; children, R.J. (Brenda) Vassar, Jr., Patricia (Harold) Wright, Marguerite Vassar, Mike (Vickie), Betsy Huff, and Rick (Cindy); twelve grand-children; eighteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister, Gertrude Sears of Lake Placid, New York and very special sister-in-law, Nannie Hale. Reed would end each day with a prayer taught to him by his mother. The prayer is written in German; the name of the prayer is "I am Small." He said the prayer in German; the American translation says, " I am Small, My heart is pure. Nobody may dwell in here but Jesus." This was always followed by his wife reciting "The Lord's Prayer." Services will be held at the Manes Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, December 22nd at 12:00 noon. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12 noon prior to the funeral service. With Rev. Martin Stump officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church in Newport. Lovely and respectfully submitted by Janice L. Buda. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Reed J. Vassar, Sr

May 17, 1921 - December 19, 2015