Obituary: The Very Rev. Richard Reid, 85, Seminary School President

The Very Rev. Richard Reid, 85, of Saunderstown, died September 6, 2014 at South County Hospital.

He was born in Providence, RI October 15, 1928 to Richard I. and Florence (Molter) Reid. He graduated from Harvard University (AB, magna cum laude 1950; MA 1954), the Episcopal Theological School (BD 1955), and Union Theological Seminary (Th.D. 1964). He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South, 2004. He was an Assistant at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NY (1956-1958). He joined the faculty of Virginia Theological Seminary in 1958 where he was New Testament professor until 1994. He also authored several publications. In addition to his decades as a teacher, scholar, and mentor, he served as Dean and President from 1982-1994. Under his leadership, the seminary started the Center for the Ministry in Teaching, undertook several building projects, and expanded its programs in mission and Anglican studies.

He married Helen Angell Bradner in 1950 in St. Paul’s Church, Wickford, RI, and they raised three children: Richard Murray Reid (Cindy), Davidson, NC; Elizabeth Bradner Kryder-Reid (Thomas), Indianapolis; and Helen Reid Jordan, Huntersville, NC. He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren. After retiring with Helen to RI in 1994 he was active in the community, serving on the North Kingstown Library board and volunteering at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He also taught as visiting faculty at The School of Theology, Sewanee: University of The South, and Nashotah House Theological Seminary.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 12th at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 55 Main Street, Wickford, with a reception following. A memorial service and burial will be held at Virginia Theological Seminary at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to St. Paul’s, the North Kingstown Food Pantry, or Virginia Theological Seminary. Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD. For online messages of condolence, visit www.CranstonMurphy.com