RANDALL B. "RANDY' REID

Randall B.”Randy” Reid, aged 84 of Rock Mountain Lakes in McCalla, Alabama, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Randy was born on December 17, 1939 to his father, Ernest “Buck” Reid, and his mother, Etta Jacks Reid, in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1958 and after initial training with the Navy, joined the US Air Force later that same year. A1C Reid was assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and served at multiple bases, including overseas at Goose Bay, Labrador. In 1962 he was honorably discharged from the Air Force and returned to Birmingham where he began his lifelong career with the Birmingham Zoo. As a 33-year zookeeper, Randy served in almost all capacities at the zoo, but it was his longtime assignment with the Primates that was most notable. Senior Keeper Reid raised from infancy to adulthood the Birmingham Zoo’s Lowland Gorillas, Joe and Susie, among countless orangutans, chimpanzees, spider monkeys, and capuchins to name a few. He was featured in the 1991 National Geographic movie, The Urban Gorilla, which highlights his remarkable relationship with one of his gorillas, Susie. In late 1968 Randy met the love of his life, Nancy Tinker, and was married soon thereafter in February of 1969. Randy and Nancy lovingly went on to raise two boys, Doug and Danny. One of Randy’s favorite places was Dauphin Island where he spent many days from sunrise to sunset on the fishing pier catching Spanish Mackerel. Taking his family to his beloved island every year, he began a lasting family tradition that continues to this day. Randy is preceded in death by his mother and father, Buck and Etta Reid, as well as his twin brother, Landall (Nora). He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Nancy, and his brother, Terry (Diana); his step-son Doug Edge, Jr. (Jennifer) and grandson Alex Edge; and his son Danny (Kerry) and grandson Patrick. The visitation will be at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home in Hueytown, Alabama on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 1:00 - 2:00PM with a short service at 2:00PM. Burial will follow immediately at Valhalla Cemetery.