WILMINGTON — Donald Menzies Reid, Jr., of Wilmington, North Carolina, died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 30, 2026. He was 88 years young.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Christina Taylor Reid; his daughter, Christina Daerr Reid of Raleigh; his son, Donald Menzies Reid III of Wilmington, his wife Suzanne, and their son, Donald Menzies Reid IV; his daughter, Katherine Reid Reeves of Raleigh, and her stepsons, Ralph Bernard Reeves IV and Daniel MacQuarrie Reeves and his wife, Kelly; his sister, Virginia Reid Smith of Wilmington; godson Reid Marcellus Smith of Turkey, NC. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn Taylor Tebay of Fort Mill, South Carolina; niece, Catherine Melissa Tebay of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; nephew, Harry Talbott Tebay II of Jackson Hole Wyoming; sister-in-law Ann Yost Taylor of Houston, Texas, brother-in-law, George Bean Taylor, and his wife Janette of Oneida, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Menzies Reid Sr. and Leona Drewry Reid, and his son-in-law, Ralph Bernard Reeves III.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Donald grew up in Hockessin, Delaware. He attended Wilmington Friends School and the University of Delaware, where he joined the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Don later was graduated from Duke University, where he was a member of the Duke University Chapel Choir.
He began his professional career with the Upjohn Company in West Virginia, where he met his beautiful bride. He later joined the DuPont Company, which brought the family to Kinston, North Carolina, and eventually to Wilmington in 1967. There, Don and Chris built a life devoted to family, community, and one another. In 1976, they acquired a Hickory Farms franchise and successfully operated the family retail business for 30 years.
Don was known for his beautiful baritone voice and lifelong love of music. He sang in multiple ensembles, including a barbershop quartet and the St. James Episcopal Parish Choir, and appeared in productions at Thalian Hall and the Opera House Theatre Company. For many years, he sang the Star-Spangled Banner each July 4th at Landfall and led Christmas carols at Frank H. Kenan Chapel.
Don enjoyed Friday nights with the “Friday Night Crew” for more than 40 years. In retirement, he pursued many hobbies, including cooking, gardening, and building his well-known “moon gate.” A devoted animal lover, he built an aviary and koi pond and is survived by ten parakeets, koi fish, and two cats, Star and Blue.
He was a member of Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington, and the Carolina Yacht Club at Wrightsville Beach and volunteered at Mount Lebanon Chapel in Airlie Gardens and with many arts organizations in Wilmington.
Don never met a stranger and will be remembered for his sharp mind, kind spirit, and masterful wit.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Lebanon Chapel, send to St. James Episcopal Parish, 25 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. Or please make contributions to the Frank H. Kenan Chapel, 510 Arboretum Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405. The family thanks the medical team at Novant Neuro ICU for their compassionate care.
