Shirley Elizabeth Hill Reid

After a courageous battle with dementia, Shirley Elizabeth Hill Reid (1936–2026) peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her beloved daughters and loving family, whose care, love, and devotion never wavered.

Shirley was a cherished wife, mother, Maw Maw, sister, aunt, and friend. Her gentle spirit, kindness, and unwavering love for her family touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

While our hearts grieve her absence, we find comfort in knowing that she is now whole, healed, and safely in the arms of Jesus Christ and reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Born on March 2, 1936, in Fries, Virginia, to Horace and Pearl Elizabeth Hill, Shirley was lovingly raised by her grandparents Alex and Flora Jane Hill after her mother’s passing. Their influence shaped the strong, compassionate and resilient woman she became.

While living in Ohio, she met the love of her life, Billie Wayne Reid, Sr., at Rickenbacker AFB. They shared nearly 40 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. After his Air Force retirement, they made Warner Robins their home.

At a young age Shirley overcame tremendous odds. Born with a congenital heart defect, she underwent two pioneering open-heart surgeries at Duke University in the 1950s, becoming one of Dr. Will C. Sealy’s first success stories. Her recovery became a lifelong testament to her strength and courage.

Family was Shirley’s greatest joy. She celebrated every milestone, supported every dream, and poured unconditional love into each generation. She lived out the biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 5:8, believing that caring for and providing for family was one of life’s highest callings. Being a mother was her greatest accomplishment and the role she cherished most. She enjoyed reading, movies, and especially playing cards—Yahtzee, Rook, or Rummy—always with infectious enthusiasm. Shirley loved traveling with her husband, children, and close friends. Their adventures—road trips, beach days, and cruises—remain treasured memories.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents and grandparents; sisters Doris Lee Hill, Betty Burcham, and Yvonne Harris; her son-in-law Andy McReynolds; step-son Mark Reid; granddaughter Cassie Reid, great-granddaughter Gwendolyn Elizabeth Opitz and her beloved cousin Oddie Funk.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, her beloved “Dream Team” Sherry McReynolds, Bobbie Sellers, and Kathy Opitz (Doug); her stepchildren, Cindy Walker (Steve), Billie Reid (Angela), Jeff Reid (Carolyn) and daughter-in-law, Michelle Reid; grandchildren Bryan (Kristy), Tiffany (Joe), Jessica (Alton), Alison, Michael (Christina), and Emily; eleven great-grandchildren and six-step-grandchildren. Her brothers, Gus and James Hill; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Family Hospice, Grace Gardens Memory Care, Jacob’s House and Heartland Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and love they showed Shirley throughout her journey. A special thank you is extended to Kathy James, whose devotion, friendship, and unwavering support over the last three years caring for Shirley earned her a cherished place as a beloved “bonus daughter”.

A graveside service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Parkway Memorial Gardens. Rev. Stephen Woods and Rev. Phil Bryant, pastors of Sandy Valley Baptist Church, will officiate. Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sandy Valley Baptist Church in support of the Montana Mission Trip or the Awana Program, 1124 S. Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Shirley’s life was a testament to faith, family, and enduring love. Her legacy will continue to bless all who knew her.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28