Tuesday, September 22, 2026 11:36 am

John Adams Reid (Johnny, J.R.) passed away September 11, 2026 at Carolinas Medical Center. Services will be at Central United Methodist Church in Shelby, N.C. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 am in the sanctuary. A reception and receiving of friends will immediately follow in the fellowship hall at 12:00 pm.

John was born February 8, 1961 in Cleveland County. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Patsy Reid and brother William Cullen Reid. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1979. He attended Western Carolina University where he met and married Terri Branson and began a marriage that lasted 44 years. The couple moved to Shelby where John eventually took over the family business on Lafayette Street.

John's grandfather Jack Reid had started the business formerly known as Shelby Jewelry and Loan and later, parents Charles and Patsy Reid continued the business before passing it down to John in1990 when the name changed to Shelby Music Center. Altogether the music store endured 70 years through three generations before closing in 2020 due to John's health. As a proud advocate for musicians across the southeast, he donated instruments, sponsored clinics, and provided local musicians opportunities to perform for the community. Shelby Music Center was a popular hangout for people from all walks of life and John treated them like treasured family members. He was passionate about helping children catch the music fever while his business provided instruments and private lessons. Shelby Music Center also installed/serviced audio equipment in numerous churches across the southeast.

John was a talented musician himself and played drums for sixty years. He was a proud member of Shelby High marching band and Western Carolina's Pride of the Mountains marching drumline and jazz bands. He enjoyed being a member of Ray Ledford and Company and Ocean Boulevard bands as well as sitting in with countless famed musicians. As a member of Central United Methodist Church, he played drums in the praise band until his declining health sidelined his drumming career.

Having Type 1 Diabetes from a young age, John endured a multitude of health challenges. In 2001 he underwent a kidney/pancreas transplant that allowed him many more years of life and the ability to raise his sons. Although the pancreas graft eventually gave out, the kidney continued to miraculously function for 25 years until his death. Countless physicians and nurses were astounded at John's strength, courage, positivity and resilience. John simply wanted to keep on living life while never taking the added years for granted.

John loved God, his family, friends and his Shelby Music customers His love for people was unpretentious, selfless and always genuine. He had recently added grandfather (Papa John) to his titles of father, husband, son, and brother. John is survived by his wife Terri of 44 years, son Branson Reid of Shelby, son Jackson Reid (April) and granddaughters Madilyn and Hallie of Charlotte, brother Buddy Reid (Jill) of Beaufort, SC, sister Julie Russell (Stephen) of Charlotte, nieces Claire Talisman (Teddy) with children Cora and Catherine of Charleston, SC, Mary Elizabeth Volkman (Andrew) with son Alex of Charlotte, NC, Hope Toadevin (Mark) of NY, NY, nephew Aaron Russell (Rachel) with children Silas, Isaac, Ayla, Lucas of Clifton, NJ, brother in law Bill Branson (Shayne) of Asheville, brother in law Joe Branson (Deah) of Canton, and his precious mother in law June Branson of Asheville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central United Methodist Church or to Shelby High School Arts Department.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.