ENFIELD – Grover "Sonny" Reed, 58, joined his daughter, Kelly, in heaven after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, June 7, 2011. He was surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born Jan. 23, 1953, in Lincoln, son of the late Grover and S. Joan (Bouchard) Reed. He was a graduate of Penobscot Valley High School and Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Throughout Sonny's career he was involved in many different business capacities including management and ownership. He is most remembered for his many years as owner of NAPA Auto Parts, Lincoln, East Millinocket and Howland, where he provided many first job opportunities to area youth.

He was a pillar in the community serving in many civic and religious organizations such as lector at St. Leo's Catholic Church, town of Enfield selectman, he was a T-ball and Little League coach, Cub Scout den leader, member of Millinocket Rotary and Lincoln Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, as well as Knights of Columbus. He found his true calling in 1990 beginning his soccer coaching career at Penobscot Valley High School. Here he combined his love for the game with his love of children. He was able to mentor, support and guide countless players as well as their families, while creating lifelong memories. Through his positive influence many youth were able to build a foundation for a lifetime of achievement. Sonny was humbled and proud to hear the impact that he had on so many lives. Soccer was his passion and he enjoyed coaching and officiating. Sonny held national coaching certifications and was a PVC Coach of the Year recipient. Twenty years ago, he formed Cold Stream Kickers Soccer Club. This club continues to develop the skills of children today and thrives through the direction of his son, Ryan.

Sonny is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Jeanne (Babineau) Reed; his sons, Ryan and Coty; daughter, Kasey; and daughter-in-law, Gretchen. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kelly. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Taryn and Lauren; and his only grandson, Nicholas, whom he saw so much of himself in. He also leaves behind a man he loved as a son, Douglas Theriault and his family: wife, Amy; and daughters, Brookelyn, Marina and Parker. He is also survived by sisters, Joan Sage and husband, Rodney, of Howland, Jan Whitney and husband, Tom, and Kathy Pelkey and husband, Philip, all of Lincoln; in-laws, David and Laurie Babineau, and Kurt and Susie Babineau of West Enfield, and Beth Babineau of Bradley. He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his parents and daughter, he was predeceased by sisters, Virgie Reed and Rebecca Ireland; nephew, Wayne "Bub" Ireland; and stepdad, Eugene Bates. Sonny was comforted throughout his illness by the love and friendship of two special family members and best buddies, cousin, Danny Reed; and brother-in-law, Wayne Ireland.

Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at Clay Funeral Home, Lincoln. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Howland. Interment will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery, West Enfield. After the graveside service, there will be a celebration of life luncheon at Enfield Station School, which will include the sharing of memories. The family invites anyone interested to share their personal stories of remembrance. It was Sonny's wish to continue his caring spirit through the establishment of Reed Foundation for Hope & Healing, a charitable organization to assist local families with the struggles that cancer brings. In lieu of flowers, donations to this foundation may be made at Clay Funeral Home or Howland-Enfield Federal Credit Union.