Lawrence "Kippy" Clifton Reed, age 76, passed away after a sudden illness early December 24th, with his family by his side.  Born in Asheville, North Carolina on August 4th, 1949, his family relocated when he was a toddler and he called Hampton home. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1967 and attended TNCC as a Drafting Major.  He enlisted in the USMC in 1970 and proudly served his country, stationed in Okinawa, Japan for part of his service.

After the Marines, Kippy graduated from the NASA Apprentice Program, spending 8 years with NASA.  He worked as a Mechanical Engineering Technician for the 8' Transonic Pressure Tunnel during years when it was used to evaluate aircraft and spacecraft design, then as an Electronics Engineering Technician.  After, he became a model maker at a government contractor for NASA, and later worked as a security guard, before establishing Reed Roofing Company and later Bay Roofing Company.

Through his work in construction Kippy could do what he loved most: meet new people and help others.  He never met a stranger and always had a story to share.  He is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Judith "Judy" Dickenson Reed; his son Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Clayton Reed, PhD, who is stationed at the Pentagon, daughter-in-law Megan Reed, and their three sons Robert, Lucas, and Evan; his daughter Lauren McKenzie Reed, MFA, of Washington, who is Director of Education for WWCC college programs inside a men's correctional center; his siblings David "DG" Grant Reed (Linda) of Ohio, Susan Brewer (Rick) of Indiana, Kevin Reed, and Gary Reed (Susan); his brother-in-laws Robert Dickenson (Catherine), and Mark Dickenson (Steve Averbach); as well as his many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Kip's life will be held at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025.  A visitation 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., a service at 3:00 p.m.  Kippy loved gathering with friends, and the family invites all who knew him to attend.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity aligned with his passions: college scholarships, veterans' charities, and animal rescues.