Tommy Lee Reed was born in Dallas, Texas on May 2, 1945 to Edna Mae Reed. His family nick-named him "Joe" after the boxer Joe Louis.

Tommy grew up in South Dallas and graduated from Madison High School in 1963. He was a member of the football team and continued to play football as a young adult. Tommy was a lifelong fan of the Dallas, Cowboys.

After graduating from high school, Tommy enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 where he traveled all over the United States and the world. He was stationed in England, Greenland, Korea, Alaska, Colorado and many locations in the state of Texas. He retired in 1988 as a MSgt from the Air Force. Tommy also retired from the United States Postal Service. While stationed in Lubbock, Tommy met and wed Ovella "Nita" Baker on May 7, 1966. Ovella, brought a son Roderick to the marriage, and they had 3 other children Adrian, Fufuria "Renee" and Tricia.

Tommy was a member of Restoration Church under the leadership of Rev. Derwin C. Harris. He was a member in good and faithful standing.

Tommy was proceeded in death by his son, Adrian Deshun Reed; daughter Fuguria "Renee" Reed and mother Edna Mae Reed.

Tommy entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 29, 2017 and leaves behind: his wife, Ovella "Nita" Reed; stepson, Roderick Baker; daughter, Tricia Hayden (James); granddaughter, La-Sheena Brooks; grandson, Tayvin Reed; great granddaughter, Hazel Reed; sister, Mary Green and many other family and friends.