NEWTON, N.C. - Sterling Michael “Paw Paw Mike” Reed, 79, of Newton, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at TerraBella.

He was born June 5, 1945 in Catawba County to the late Sterling Pinkney Reed and Vernice Fry Reed. Mike was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown, where he faithfully played the piano and organ. He also played for many other churches over the years. He volunteered at Catawba Valley Medical Center playing piano, among other things, and most recently, he played for the residents at TerraBella. Mike was a 1963 graduate of St. Stephens High School and an Eagle Scout. When he wasn’t fishing or at a yard-sale, he enjoyed making bread, Chex Mix, and dried apples.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Grant Reed; brothers, Steve and Larry Reed; and sisters-in-law, Connie Whittington, Jimmie-Kaye Majors, and Patricia Gilliland.

Biology said he had no children, but love said otherwise.

Those left to cherish his memory is his son Deron Bumgarner and wife Jennifer of Newton; daughters Andrea Walshak and husband Erik of Newton, Allison Keisler and wife Kristin Murphy of Winston-Salem; sisters-in-law Joyce Reed of Charlotte, Susan Reed of Hickory; neighbors turned family - Norman Bumgarner of Newton, Martha Martin of Newton; grandchildren Annie Goodwin (Michael), Evan, Leah, and John Walshak, Emily and Diana Bumgarner, and Caitlyn, Noah, Gabriel, and Avery Keisler; special niece Lisa Harper and husband Jerry of Huntersville; and a host of other nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Mike’s life was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton. Rev. Ken Reed officiated. Burial followed at St. Paul’s Memorial Park in Newton. The family received friends prior to the service from 3-3:45 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to help WNC hurricane relief c/o His Image Ministries, 1855 6th St. SE, Hickory, NC 28601

Condolences may be sent to the Reed family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Reed family.