WILMINGTON — Bradley Wayne Reid peacefully passed on July 22, 2025, in Wilmington, NC. He was born in Shelbyville, IL, to Don and Helen Reid on August 9, 1954. He leaves behind his daughter, Sarah Henderson; son-in-law, Zac Henderson; brother, Robert Reid of Charlotte; and his beloved granddogs, Henry and Lou.
As a young boy, Brad was smart and mischievous. He loved baseball, football, and getting into trouble with his go-kart and fireworks. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1972 and attended Illinois State University. He married his middle school girlfriend, Debbie Dunaway, on August 14, 1976.
At Illinois State, he earned his BS in Chemistry in 1976. Brad became a Resident Assistant, which inspired him to earn his Master of Science in Education, Guidance, and Counseling in 1979. Brad continued to live on campus as a Graduate Student, “rent-free” (as he often reminded us), overseeing the safety and well-being of residents in Waterson Towers.
Brad and Debbie moved from Illinois to Charlotte, NC, in July of 1979. He began working at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, serving as Associate Director of Housing Operations until 1991. While in Charlotte, they welcomed their only daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, on April 21, 1987.
In 1991, the family moved to Boone, NC, where Brad served as Director of Housing and Residence Life at Appalachian State University. He oversaw many residential projects and served on every board and hiring committee possible. He loved networking, mentoring young professionals, and attending housing conferences. He was an active member of the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers and the North Carolina Housing Officers.
The Reid family’s last move was in 1999 to Wilmington, NC, where Brad became the Director of Housing and Residence Life at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He served as UNCW’s chief housing officer from 1999 until his retirement in 2015. Brad’s time at UNCW meant the world to him, and his impact on the university’s housing community was significant. Brad oversaw the additions of Cornerstone Hall, Seahawk Crossing, Seahawk Landing, and Seahawk Village. He made a difference to so many people.
Throughout the years, Brad lived a busy life. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday football, and Halloween decorations. He served as a member of the Rotary Club and the Homeowners Association in Echo Farms. Brad and Debbie were members of St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church.
A celebration of life will be held at UNCW on September 6th.
