Jonathan Parley Reed (47) of Columbia, S.C.

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Published on February 29 2020 5:32 am

Jonathan Parley Reed of Columbia, S.C. (J.R.to his radio friends and family) passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020.

Jonathan was born Friday, September 1, 1972, in Flora, IL to Gerald ‘Jerry’ and Verla Reed. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend to many. Jonathan had a love for life, family, St. Louis sports (Blues and Cardinals) and radio. Jonathan knew early on he wanted to work in the radio industry. His first job in radio began when he was 15 years old at WPMB/WKRV in Vandalia, IL. Jonathan was a long-time staple in the radio industry touching the lives of many at KSLZ in St. Louis, as well as, stations in Jacksonville, FL., Savannah, GA., Madison, WI., Omaha, NE., Mobile, AL. and Richmond, VA., just to name a few. He achieved the highest ratings in history at WNOK in Columbia, S.C. as program director and as an on-air personality. Jonathan was the life of the party. He always had a special way of connecting with people. Jonathan knew the importance of friendship; many will attest how he was always there for them, as well as, going out of his way to help others. He always tried to make things better, even in his death he offered hope to others by being an organ donor.

Jonathan is survived by his parents, Jerry and Verla Reed of Brownstown, IL., his sister, Jerilyn (Ryan) and niece Elia Reed of Springfield, MO., cousin (more like a sister) Kelly (Jason, son Logan) Berger of Broomfield, CO, and Aunt Vickie Smith also of CO. Grandparents John and Ramona Reed of Fairfield, IL. and friend Allison Jakubecy of Columbia, S.C., cousins, extended family and many friends. Jonathan was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Dorothy Reed and Evelyn Mugrage.

A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, by Jonathan’s iHeart Media radio family in Columbia with Pastor Wes Church officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2020, from 5-7pm at the First Baptist Church in Brownstown, IL. with graveside services Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11am in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fayette County Breast Cancer Fund or the Brownstown Community Unit School District #201 Foundation.

Gieseking Funeral Home, Brownstown is assisting the family with funeral arrangements and online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.