“A great man in Israel has fallen.” – David, King of Israel

Michael Reed, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and loving husband and father; a former local pastor, and high-school & youth sports coach; local South Carolina newspaper editor, and patriot activist, has been promoted to life everlasting in the arms of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The promotion took place in the afternoon on March 5th, 2025, at home, with Michael surrounded by his family.

The promotion happened in the spirit of the Scripture, "Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." and in accordance with the promise that a saved follower of Jesus Christ carries, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20-21.

Michael was 68 years experienced. He is survived by his stepmother Phyllis, his stepfather Donald Jurgensmeyer (Carol), his sister Susan Hébert (Russell), The love of his life, Bonnie of 32 years, and their 7 children: Caleb, Daniel (Sabrina), James (Arquette), Caroline, Rosemary, Samuel, and Robin Reed; and his Grandchildren: Mason, Emreigh, and baby Reed, due July 2025.

He was preceded in death by both parents: David T. Reed and Barbara Grace Jurgensmeyer.

Michael was born in South Carolina, and grew up and attended school in Texas until he was 15 years old, when he moved with his family to Columbia, SC. He was in 10th grade at the time. He attended and graduated from Columbia High School in 1974 and went on to complete 3 years at the University of South Carolina. 

Well-known by many throughout his life as ‘Mike’ Reed, He was an entrepreneur, businessman, former pastor of a local church body in South Carolina, and He served as editor and publisher of his own newspaper, The Standard in Lexington, SC, and was very active in local politics.

He coached baseball and cross country for local homeschool group Providence Athletic Club (PAC), where all 7 of his children participated. He was known to be a tough but effective coach, who cared very much about the success of those he was privileged to coach and mentor. One of his most iconic and enduring expressions was "Winners never quit." His enthusiasm and zeal for pursuing the prize, no matter what it may have been, made him memorable and respected by many. Michael's presence will be dearly missed by many, and his loving spirit and legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Visitation and Celebration-of-Life Services will be held at LifeSprings Church in Lexington for relatives and close friends of the Reed family.

The Celebration-of-Life service will be live-streamed on YouTube for the general public who knew Michael, and is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th, at Noon. LifeSprings’ YouTube channel is: @LifeSpringsChurch29073 

In lieu of flowers, individuals wishing to honor Michael Reed by sending gifts, may make a financial contribution, including checks, to 'The Reed Family Trust'. This trust was created by Michael himself to support causes that were close to his heart, and will also go to help cover the cost of final expenses as well. Contributions can be made on Spotfund by scanning the QR code in "Mementos" or mailed to P.O. Box 12354, Columbia, SC, 29211