Rufus Darnell Reid was born to the late Duval Robert Reid and the late Queen Esther Reid in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on June 13, 1949.

He attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and was an avid tuba player in the marching band of John W. Paisley High School.

Rufus gave honorable service for his country as a military policeman in the United States Marines. He was discharged from military service following a military history that included two tours of duty in the Vietnam War.

He worked for Brenner Steel Company for many years. Prior to ending his years of employment, he began a career as a long distance truck driver for several area trucking companies.

Rufus was a skilled craftsman. He could build anything! If he had a hammer and some nails, his special gift and love of carpentry was on full display following his creative construction projects.

Rufus Darnell Reid, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, peacefully passed away at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, following a period of illness. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Katrina (April 10, 2000) and two brothers, Nalenzer and Clayton Reid.

Those family members who survive and who will forever cherish loving memories of him include his children, Monica Reid, Maggie (Timothy) Gladden and Kevin Upson; four grandchildren, Kirah "Slick" Upson, Marisa Upson Simpson, Kevin Upson, Jr. and Jordain Reid; six siblings, Rosa Richardson, Margaret Reid, Burnell Brown, Daisy (Julius) Walker, Napoleon (Pamela) Reid and Carolyn (Michael) Richardson; a loving aunt, Carolyn Burrell; and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many extended family members and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30pm Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Mount Zion Baptist Church 950 File St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 1:30pm on Wednesday at the Church. Repast will follow immediately after at the Church.