James Walter "Walt" Reed, age 79, of Newport, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009, at Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Floy Reed; daughter and son-in-law Mary Elizabeth and David Large; brother William "Willie" Reed; half-brother Alfred Gregg; and sisters Dorothy Ellison and Ann Underwood.

He is survived by his daughter Rhonda; grandchildren Scott, Jeff, and Kendra; special friends Eddie Watts, Ima Fields, Buddy and Sheila Fox, Jay Hance, Roger Lane, Randy Dennis, Chip Bryant, and R. L. Taylor.

Special thanks to the staff of Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center and to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice.

Funeral services were held Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Brown Funeral Home with Rev. Kirk Haney officiating. Interment followed in Union Cemetery.

The family received friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Friends may sign the register online at www.newportfunerals.com.

Brown Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.