William Shane Reid

William Shane Reid, 58, of Phoenix, Arizona, died on July 11, 2017 of natural causes. He was born July 23, 1958 in Paducah, Kentucky, the son of William Carroll Reid and Jewel (Henderson) Reid. He attended McCracken County Schools and graduated from Reidland High School in 1976. Following high school, he earned an Associate’s Degree from Paducah Community College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Kentucky, majoring in Spanish. Shane put himself through college by working as an employee of the Colonial Bread Company in Paducah, KY where he was a bread twister and at Rainbow Bread in Lexington, KY where he delivered bread.

Since his first trip abroad to Ecuador with his high school Spanish Club, Shane loved travel. He worked in his “dream job” of travel agent for more than thirty-six years, starting at a travel firm in Manhattan and eventually opening his own travel business in Phoenix. Shane handled commercial clients, many of them production companies making television commercials, programs, and film. Most recently, he was listed in the credits of the Oscar winning film “Boyhood.” Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling to exotic locations and meeting people in all walks of life. From childhood into adulthood, Shane’s artform was conversation. He could speak to anyone in six languages and stumble his way through another half dozen languages.

Shane took joy in the simple and complex, irony and wit, and had a story to match any topic; he was always ready to share a story. Known for his generosity and big heart, Shane helped family and friends in many ways and was there for them at the drop of a hat. He sponsored several water wells internationally for deprived communities in third world countries and he purchased goats, through international programs, to provide life changing benefits to deprived families. He was a Latinophile, always fascinated with the culture and history of Central and South America, the Maya and people in those countries.

Shane opened his home to many friends as a welcoming place to stay as long as they needed. He had thousands of friends across the globe. His boisterous laugh was a trademark. He read voraciously and educated himself thoroughly on a variety of topics. He was a proponent of human rights and fairness, and was a devoted pet lover. His absence will leave a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Shane is survived by his mother, Jewel Henderson Reid of Paducah, KY.; brothers, Steven Reid and Erik Reid, both residents of Phoenix, AZ.; one aunt and uncle and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father William Carroll Reid, his paternal grandparents Eulis and Essie Reid of Paducah, KY and maternal grandparents Louie B. and Blanche Henderson of Kingsport, TN.

A memorial reception will be held on July 30, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Discovery River Center Museum Founders Room located at 117 S. Water Street in Paducah, KY. The Reid Family invites family members and friends to attend the reception. A private burial will be held in Symsonia, KY.

Lindsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuenral.com

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