Clayton Stanley Reed

Clayton Stanley Reed, of Waco, passed from this life on March 27, 2021, with his loving family by his side.

Stanley was born in Coryell County, Texas on September 14, 1932 to Lloyd and Annie Reed, and was the oldest of four sons.

On April 11, 1951, Stanley married the love of his life, Dixie Archer. They were married almost 70 years and had three children, Bruce, Clay and Darlene.

Stanley loved people. Whether it was smoking briskets for horseshoe tournaments, grilling steaks or making his famous “Papaw breakfast” for his family, he loved being around others. Stanley was genuine...what you see is what you get, and he never changed who he was. He loved to cut a rug on the dance floor at different gatherings, especially with his granddaughters. He simply loved to have fun and laugh. But more than that, Stanley was Stanley. He had a tender heart and truly cared for others.

Stanley loved the outdoors. Some of his favorite times in life were simply being outside enjoying nature. He, Dixie, and their children spent many times at Gorman Falls. He loved working with his horses, going on trail rides, and showing his horses at shows, and rodeos. Outside was truly his “happy place”. He was also a connoisseur of westerns and even the occasional comedy. Stanley even took part in a local production of a gunfighter’s movie, which he loved acting in.

Stanley had a phenomenal work ethic that he passed on to his three children, and they never forgot those lessons of an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Stanley loved his family fiercely. He and Dixie were an example of true love and commitment to each other. Stanley was a loving father to his three children and he was extremely proud of them. When given the chance, he was always bragging about them to anyone who would listen.

Besides husband and father, one of his most cherished roles was that of Papaw or Papa Bear to his six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Stanley never missed an opportunity to play or just go on a walk around his property with them. He was so proud of them and doted on them as only Papa Bear could.

Later in life, he spent over eight years at Hewitt Senior Care, where he continued his legacy of impacting lives and making people laugh. Stanley always wore his cowboy hat and sunglasses around the halls which led to the staff naming him “Cowboy.” Even when he didn’t feel his best from time to time, he always tried to make those around him feel better by giving them a laugh or a good-natured ribbing.

Stanley will be missed by many around the Central Texas area and will leave a void in the lives of his family and countless friends. But his legacy is carried on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Annie Reed, brothers Ernest Reed and Jack Reed, as well as his son, Clay Reed.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dixie Reed; son Bruce Reed and wife Linda of College Station; Daughter Darlene Davidson and husband Steve of Waco; and Daughter-in-law Candy Reed of Russellville, Arkansas. He is also deeply missed by his grandchildren: Trey Reed and wife Angie; Barry Reed; Reed Davidson and wife Sara; Tria Athey and husband Brad; Rebecka Mouser and husband Brett; and Sarah Kelm and husband Kurt.

His great-grandchildren will continue to hear stories of their Papaw and carry on the legacy of his memory. They are: Abigail and Bennett Reed, Noah, Luke and Ethan Reed, Emory and Griffin Davidson, Peighton and Ashlyn Afinowicz, Jaxon and Callan Mouser, and Maddelyn Logan.

The family would like to express profound thanks to Senior Care of Hewitt for the loving care and attention you have provided Stanley over the years. You have truly become family and we cannot express our gratitude for your kindness and compassion. We would also like to thank the staff of Providence 4 South, especially Margaret, Jessica, Claudia and Rolee. Thank you for treating our family as your own.