Reed IV, William “Rex”

29 Apr Reed IV, William “Rex”

William T. “Rex” Reed IV died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at home after a long battle with Thymus Cancer. He was 45. Rex died peacefully in the home he designed when he was 16. 

Rex was born Oct. 19, 1973, to William T. Reed III and his wife, Winifred V. Reed in Washington, D.C. He was raised at Amberlea Farm in Gaithersburg, where he enjoyed country life, including lots of animals and vegetable gardening. Known for his love of animals, his first dog was Chiquita, his first rooster was Igor (Mom found him wandering up the main thoroughfare of the Montgomery County Fair), and his first duck was Miff. 

Rex graduated from Thomas S. Wootton High School in 1991. While in college, Rex started his photography business, Amberlea Photography & Design LLC in 1993. He graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Business in 1995. During his college years, Rex was involved with the College Republicans and as editor of the college newspaper. One of the highlights was when he got to interview then-General Colin Powell. 

Rex married Denise Magner Reed on Nov. 22, 2003, at St. Ignatius Church in Forest Hill, MD. They have two children, William T. “Liam” Reed V and Catherine “Clare” Reed. 

Occupationally, Rex was owner and designer of Amberlea Photography & Design LLC until his death. He was a partner with his father in Potomac Land and Investment Co. Inc. (2011-present) and a partner in TwillDo Company LLC (2013-present). Rex was also CEO of ProxyTell, LLC for two years. As a professional photographer, he shot aerial, commercial, real estate, and portraits. Rex volunteered as a photographer for 34 years at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). 

Active in the community, Rex was a member of the Montgomery County 4-H, participating as a child exhibitor showing ducks and turkeys at the fair and at Old MacDonald’s Farm. Then, he helped as an adult leader for his children who show ducks, chickens, and goats. He was also a lifelong participant in the Montgomery County (MD) Fair, serving as the 1990 Fair Court Prince, and then leading as President of the Friends of the Farm Park. Rex loved antique farm equipment, he took great pride in participating in the Montgomery County (MD) 

Ag Farm Park show where his collection taught people about how work was done on the farm in days gone by. Rex was the official Fair Photographer for several years. 

He also loved his horse, Peter, whom he rode with the Potomac Hunt. Rex enjoyed fox hunting and the Potomac Hunt Races where he hosted lavish dinners, often with lifelong friend John Webster. In addition, Rex participated in beagling with his children as a member of the Middletown Valley Beagles. Denise and Rex became involved with the Irish Red and White Setter Association of America – East Coast when they brought Orla, their newest setter home. Rex always had a dog, including his beloved Corgis – Jackson and Paulie – and their black and white Irish Setter, Dulcie. His farming interest lead him into raising Fainting goats, ducks, turkeys, chickens, and other fowl. He was a member of the Fainting Goat Guild. 

Rex was an active member of the Republican Party and Montgomery County Young Republicans, hosting annual pool parties for the members. Rex served as an Alternate Delegate at several Republican National Conventions. He also served as the Secretary for the Maryland Republican Party. Rex was thrilled to be invited to the 51st Presidential Inaugural Ball for George H.W. Bush in 1988. Rex served in numerous Republican candidates’ campaigns in Maryland since working in his first campaign for the late Rep. Jean Roesser when he was eight years old. 

To know Rex was to love him; he had a take-charge attitude, wicked sense of humor, and immersed himself in his family and their activities. He was a Renaissance man; enjoying getting his hands dirty working on the farm, but also socializing with friends and family at parties, the Hunt Ball, and the WIHS Ball. 

Survivors include his wife, Denise, and his children, William T. “Liam” Reed V and Catherine Clare Reed, of Gaithersburg, MD; his parents, William T. Reed III and Winifred V. Reed of Gaithersburg, MD; his sister, Laura, and her husband, David Bivans of Darnestown, MD; his sister, Ann, and her husband, Greg Wolven of Vincennes, IN; sister-in-law Deirdre Magner of Jarrettsville, MD; and beloved nephews and nieces Margaret Bivans, Christopher Wolven, Katherine Wolven, Thomas Bivans, and Andrew Schoenster. He was predeceased by his nephew, John Bivans. 

Above all, Rex loved his family – Denise, Liam, and Clare meant the world to him. From their school activities to family trips, working around the Farm, and doing projects, Rex was happiest spending time with his family.