Edward Joseph Reeve

Retired Commander Edward Joseph Reeve, Jacksonville, Florida, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 30, 2024, at the age of 74. Ed was born October 05, 1949, in Key West, Fl, son of John and Jennie Reeve. He grew up in Miami, Florida. Ed graduated with honors from North Miami High School, in 1967. Ed always dreamed of becoming a pilot and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed music, and was in the school band. His charm and pleasant ways made him popular with his peers. He often laughed that he was so charming; he was elected the Sub Deb Sorority Sweet heart. Following High School, Ed earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and graduated with the 35th Company in1971. Ed met his future wife Jan, in Norfolk Virginia, shortly after graduating from the Academy. They were married in 1973. Ed began preparing for his career as a Naval Aviator, his lifelong dream. He entered flight training in Pensacola, FL, and after earning his wings Ed was a flight instructor at Whiting Field, in Milton, Fl. He flew the North American Aviation T-28 Trojan. During his tour at Whiting Field, he attended the Naval Justice School (NJS), in Newport Rhode Island, and served as the legal officer for VT-3. Ed continued his flying career, and was assigned to HS11 squadron known as the Dragon Slayers, stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During this tour he flew the Sikorsky SH3 Helicopter aircraft with the anti submarine Squadron Eleven in Jacksonville, Fl. The squadron was attached to the USS John F. Kennedy, home ported in Norfolk, Va. He served on the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7), home ported in Norfolk, Va., as the ship’s Navigator. Ed earned his MBA during this tour of duty. Ed was selected to be attached to ELANTISUBRON 1 (HS1) known as the Seahorses, located at NAS Jacksonville, Fl. HS-1 trained maintenance personnel, replacement pilots, and provided the fleet with updated combat strike rescue techniques. The squadron flew in excess of 8,000 hours per year, qualifying 75 pilots, 80 air crewmen, and 300 search and rescue swimmers annually. Ed was the comptroller at NAVCOMMSTA Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and was financially involved with overseeing the disaster recovery and repair of the naval base following the devastating hurricane Hugo. During his tour in Puerto Rico, Ed served as the president of the base’s flying club. He earned his multi engine rating, and enjoyed flying the twin engine Aztec. He often said this was one of the best tours he had during his military career. Ed was an outstanding Military officer; who loved his country, family and flying. During his career, he received the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. After a 22 year Navy career, Ed retired in 1989, as the executive office of the Orlando Florida Recruit Training Command. Following his naval military retirement, Ed worked as a tax preparer and adjunct math professor. He enjoyed flying RC model planes, NASCAR races, and fishing on his second love, his Grady White, “Takes Two”. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother- in-law, Willie Stull and his father- in-law, George Stull of Elkin, NC. Ed is survived by his loving wife Janice Stull Reeve, of 51 years, his sister, Debbie Andrews, sister-in-law Donna Rocha, and his brother-in-law George Stull (Kathy), as well as several nieces and nephews to which he served as a loving and doting uncle and great uncle.. Commander Reeve earned his final farewell set of wings, and will be inurned at the Naval Academy, in Annapolis Maryland. Date of service is pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USNA Foundation Memo section put: 1971 unrestricted fund - In memory of Ed Reeve U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION 301 King George Street Annapolis, MD 21402