Napoleon Reid, lovingly known as "Nap," was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Duval Reid and the late Queen Esther Reid on August 18, 1952. He was the eighth of nine children born into a large and devoted family whose core values included an unwavering faith in God and his promises and a genuine love for each member of the family.

He attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, and he began his early Christian Education at Mount Zion Baptist Church where he joined under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. K. O. P. Goodwin.

Nap proudly served his country in the United States Army. And his brief stint in the military and his opportunity to give service for his country ended abruptly following an injury that required  months of hospitalization.

Napoleon Reid married the love of his life, the former Pamela Slade, on December 23, 1972. And their loving union was blessed with the birth of three adorable children, Cedric, Adrian, and Latawnya Reid. He was a devoted husband and father.

His legacy grew to include seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom he cherished deeply. His love, wisdom, and guiding spirit will forever live on through them.

Napoleon was a hardworking and determined man whose strong work ethic began early in life. His varied employment history included positions with The Winston-Salem Transit Authority, Hanes Hosiery, and Lawrence Joel Veterans  Memorial Coliseum. He later retired from the Jostens Yearbook Company, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and reliability.

A man of many talents, Nap was a skilled craftsman who created beautiful handmade works that reflected his creativity and his mindfulness of details. He was a faithful friend and a true "jack of all trades," he was always willing to lend a helping hand, both in Winston-Salem and Atlanta, his kindness touched many. He found joy in fishing, gardening, and cooking meals that rival those of the finest chefs. Honest, loving, and earnest in all he did, Nap built lasting friendships that spanned his lifetime.

Nap was a man of faith who believed deeply in God. He often reminded those around him that he was "no more than the same way, just a man," and that through God, all things are possible. In times of reflection and remembrance, we hold close these comforting words of scripture, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Napoleon Reid passed away unexpectedly at his home in Atlanta, Georgia  on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Though he is no longer with us physically, his legacy of love, strength, wisdom, and kindness will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Napoleon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Slade Reid; his siblings, Rosa Richardson, Clayton Reid, Burnell Brown, Nalenzer Reid, and Rufus Reid; brothers-in-law, James Richardson and Willie Brown; nephew, Quentin Smith; nieces, Benaja and Katara Reid; and his aunt, Carolyn Burrell.

Those family members left to cherish his memory include his loving children, Cedric, Adrian, and Latawnya Reid; his sisters, Margaret Reid (New York), Carolyn (Michael) Richardson, and Daisy (Julius) Walker; seventeen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a host of extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am Saturday April 4, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 950 File Street Winston-Salem, NC.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-11:30 am at the church Saturday.