DULUTH — Emmett Cawood Reid Jr. (E.C.) of Pendergrass, Ga., passed away on Aug. 15, 2016, at Vitas Hospice, Duluth, Ga. He was 93, born April 4, 1923, in Americus, Georgia. A veteran of World War II, E.C. served in the Infantry in Italy. As a “runner” he was responsible for personally delivering important papers from unit to unit. His Company Commander was Col. Felix Sparks who was famous for leading the troops through the Alps and several books were written about their bravery. E.C. was told that his promotion from private to tech sergeant was the quickest on record.

After returning home from the war, E.C. began a long list of successful entrepreneurial efforts which included café, recreation management, farming, business management, service station dealership,  independent owner of several Grand National (NASCAR) race cars and building a transportation company from scratch.

A widower, he lost his wife of 71 years, Nelle Cameron Reid in August 2014.

E.C. and Nelle had three children, Suzanne (married to George A. Holdsworth), Bill (married to Sharon B. Reid) and Brenda (married to Hal Ramakers) who are all living in the Atlanta area. They have three  grandchildren, Pamela Pearson, Kelly Sumner and Leah Henderson with six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Tatum, Aiden, Zach, Demri and Samantha. E.C. is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Gardner of Americus, Ga., and his brother Toby Reid of Dalton, Ga.

A unique soul, E.C. was known for his teasing. Cherished by his family and all that had the pleasure of knowing him, he will be greatly missed.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, Aug. 19 at The Grove Baptist Church in Maysville, Ga. Visitation begins there at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. and then a meal provided by The Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Condolences can be left for the family at GeorgiaFuneralCare.com. Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services proudly serving this family.  678-574-3016.