Kevin James Reid

Kevin James Reid, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer.

Born on August 12, 1960, in Rome, New York, Kevin lived a life full of passion, dedication, and warmth.

Kevin's journey began in Oriskany, New York, where he excelled athletically. A proud graduate of Oriskany High School in 1978, he showcased his talents in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. His prowess on the course led him to a professional career, and in 1987, Kevin was elected to the Professional Golfers Association, marking a significant milestone in his life.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1982, Kevin combined his love for numbers and golf. For nearly three decades, from 1989 to 2018, he served as Head Golf Professional and then General Manager at Cedar Lake Club in Clayville, New York. This role provided him with the opportunity to foster community spirit and share his passion for the sport.

After his official retirement in NY, life's journey then took Kevin to Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his wife enjoyed their friends and community at Wakefield Plantation. Unable to walk away from the game he loved, he brought his expertise to Hasentree Country Club in Wake Forest, NC where he worked with an amazing golf staff for several years. Eventually, the couple moved to Verandah Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida, their final shared home, where they met many new and cherished friends. Even after his second retirement, Kevin found joy working part-time at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, remaining steadfast in his love for the game.

Kevin's legacy lies not only in his professional achievements, but also in his personal life. He was a devoted family man who cherished his wife, Lorri, and was immensely proud of his sons, Paul and James, who followed in his footsteps as PGA professionals. His daughter Grace and step-daughter Alanna, were equally dear to his heart, and he enjoyed hearing all about their careers and adventures. Along with his wife, Kevin enjoyed traveling to national parks, taking beach vacations, going to college football games and taking the occasional cruise with friends. He especially loved it when his out-of-state friends and family came down for a visit to sunny Florida. At home, he found comfort grilling and enjoying the pool while tuned into a game or the Golf Channel.

Despite a serious demeanor, Kevin possessed a remarkable sense of humor, often sharing jokes on the golf course with friends both old and new. A friendly wager and libations were often involved.

He was a patient, generous father who guided his children with kindness and wisdom. Kevin's passion for accounting never waned, and he maintained a profound affection for his Quickbooks, along with his unwavering support for his favorite teams – Syracuse Orange, UNC Tar Heels, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kevin's laughter will echo in the hearts of those who loved him, including his sister, Debbie Heitzmann and her husband Robert, Kevin’s brother, Jeffrey Reid and his wife Jeannine, Kevin’s daughter-in-law Sara and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is now reunited with his parents, James Bernard and Shirley Cousins Reid, who predeceased him.

A Celebration of Life is planned for this summer to honor Kevin's memory and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy will forever be cherished by his family and friends, who remember him as a man with a great smile, kind eyes, and an unwavering dedication to those he loved and the great game of golf.