Meet Our Veterans
Jeffrey Allen Reichl, Sr
Army
1982-1985, 1987-1991, 2002-2024
Grew up and still currently resides in Reidsville. Graduated from Rockingham High School in 1982.
Enlisted in the Army in 1982, served at Ft Bragg in the 82nd Airborne until 1985. Deployed to Operation Desert Storm with the 731st Maint Co, NC National Guard in 1991. Also deployed to Iraq in 2004 with B Co 230th and in 2011 with 1452nd Trans Co with the NC National Guard.
Tenise Cannon
United States Navy
1986-2006
Sister of Romalita Harrison
PNCS Aviation War Specialist
Tenise Cannon’s twenty years of honorable service in the United States Navy, from 1986 to 2006, reflect a legacy of courage, commitment, and quiet strength. Serving during a pivotal era in American history, she stood watch through times of both conflict and transformation, including the Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and the early years of the War on Terror, which encompassed both the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.
Following the tragic events of September 11 attacks, Tenise answered the call to serve during one of the most uncertain and frightening moments in modern history. Her deployment during that time speaks to her bravery and unwavering sense of duty, as she faced the unknown with resolve.
Throughout her distinguished career, she served aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower- (CVN 69) is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is a Mercy-class hospital ship. All vessels that represent both the strength and compassion of the United States Navy. Whether projecting power across the seas or delivering humanitarian aid, her service contributed to missions that protected freedom and provided hope.
Today, we honor Tenise Cannon not only for her years in uniform, but for her courage in the face of fear, her dedication to her country, and her enduring example of service above self.
John Franklin “Sonny” Brown
U. S. Army National Guard
1960’s
Born here. Lived here all his life and opened Reidsville HVAC, INC. in 1974
Thomas R. Cathey, Jr.
United States Army, 1943 - 1945; United States Air Force, 1951 - 1952
United States Army, 07/07/1943 - 08/03/1945; United States Air Force, 11/26/1951 - 11/11/1952
His niece lives in Reidsville and works for the City of Reidsville. She has been here for 8 years. She was instrumental in planning the Veterans' Day Memorial Program during Reidsville's Sesquicentennial Year. His widow, Becky Cathey, is in Cary, NC. And his daughter, Sharron Scroggins, is in Apex, NC. And I am incredibly proud of my Uncle Bubba's service to our great nation.
He was known as both Bubba and Sonny. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. He was selected to participate in the Army Air Corps training program and learned to fly as an enlisted man. At the end of World War II, he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945. In 1951, he was called back to duty in the newly created United States Air Force to serve in the Korean War as a fighter pilot. During his second service on active duty, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Jerry P Stafford
US Air Force / US Army
1968-1974 / 1977-1993
Life long resident, father to Reidsville Police Officer
Retired as Sergeant First Class
Phillip Stephens
Army
1966-67
Lived here 17 years and moved 3 miles from city in 1985. So still live in Reidsville.
Vietnam veteran
James Preston Ross
Army
WWII - during the 40's
James Preston Ross, my dad lived in Reidsville from the 1920's until 1968. After returning home from service during WWII, he married my mother, Mary Hearp of Reidsville. He was employed by American Tobacco Company until his death in 1968.
My father was an extremely patriotic citizen who was proud, yet humble of his service in the military. He was a tank commander who served in the 6th Armored Division on the front lines in Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg and France, at times under General George Patton. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service while demonstrating "exceptional courage, coolness and aggressiveness under the most hazardous conditions." As the war ended, he participated in a military boxing team, traveling across the US for unit competitions. Upon leaving the military, he served in the CCC's, taking particular pride in his work as a bulldozer operator for the development of Hanging Rock State Park. After leaving military service, he secured a job in the American Tobacco Company and was employed there through the remainder of his lifetime. He married Mary Hearp and reared his two children, John and Myra, in the Reidsville area until his death in 1968.
Paul Lindburgh Reece
Army National Guard
Sept. 14, 1945 - June 30th 1966
Lived and raised his family here. Wendy Moore of Screen Print Plus is his daughter.
Bernard Moore Jones
U.S. Marines
1942 - 1946
Bernard Jones - our beloved "Pop" - was born and raised in here Reidsville. Pop and his 6 brothers grew up on a farm in the McCoy Rd. / Flat Rock Rd. area. He served overseas in the U.S. Marines during WWII. He married and raised his own family here, remaining in Reidsville until his death at the age of 94.
Bernard Jones was an honor student and served as student body president at Reidsville High School. He was a model student except for the one time he skipped school to see "Gone With The Wind" at the Rockingham Theater because it was one of the first films in the United States ever to play with sound. He got caught because he was a student school bus driver, so - with no other mode of transportation around town - he dropped off all the students at school, then proceeded to the movie theater in the school bus.
Bernard Jones was the "Jones" in "Adkins & Jones Heating and Air," later simply "Jones Heating and Air." He owned and operated this successful small business here in Reidsville for many decades. Pop was a charter member of Woodmont United Methodist Church in 1951 and a faithful member of the Reidsville Lions Club for 67 years. Pop served on the Reidsville School Board for 17 years, from 1968 to 1985, which included the period when the schools were integrated. He and his wife, Louise Stanfield Jones, were blessed with 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren (and counting). Family, fidelity, faith, and service were Pop's core values and he lived them until his death in 2016.
Donald Thero Barefoot
U.S. Army
August 1964 - August 1966
Moved to Reidsville in 1975 until his death in 2015. Raised his family in Reidsville with his wife, Paulette, and his children Drew and Kelly. He was the owner of Powell-Barefoot Insurance Agency for 40 years. He served the community in many ways including the Reidsville Jaycees, the Rotary Club, was a founding member of the Reidsville Rams Booster Club, attended the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, and was a member of the Elks Lodge and Pennrose Park Country Club.
Don proudly served his country and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He spent time in Germany as part of his service. He achieved the rank of Sgt E-5.
Corporal Ernest W Massey, Jr.
U.S. Army
1950-1953
E.W. Was born and raised his whole life in Reidsville. He loved his hometown. He is known by a lot of people.
E.W. Was well known in Rockingham County and especially Reidsville. He was loved by many as he loved everyone. He was very giving. He will always be remembered ringing his cowbells at the Reidsville Rams football game. A tradition he started and is still being done at the games today.
Oaks H. Smith
Army Air Forces
NA
Born and raised in Reidsville
Oaks gave his life in the service of his country. His plane was shot down and his body never recovered.
James P. Smith
Army
1941-1945
Born and raised here.
Married and raised two children here.
He was a POW, captured in Italy. He was held captive for 16 months until the end of the war.
Louis Edward Fuller
Army
21 Aug 41 - 28 Nov 45
Resident
Staff Sergeant
Combat, infantryman badge; Eamet Campaign Badge with two Bronze Stars; American Defense Medal; American Theatre Medal; Good Conduct medal AR 600–68; Victory Medal
Louis Edward Fuller
Army
8/21/41 - 11/28/45
Resident
Staff Sergeant
Eamet Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars; American Defense Medal; American Theater Medal; Good Conduct Medal; AR 600-68; Victory Medal
Stanley Cottrell
US Army
1941-1945
Stanley moved to Reisville in 1950 following WWII. He opened and co-partnered C & J Dental Lab and served local dentist until his retirement in 1983.
Stanley was a highly decorated WWII veteran. He landed on the shores of Normandy on June 8, 1944 and fought front lines through Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge. For his valor, he was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart with 2 clusters.
James A Henderson Jr
Army
N/A
Father to local business woman Sonya Henderson.
In Memory of Specialist 4 James A. Henderson Jr.
United States Army Veteran
We honor the life and service of Specialist 4 James A. Henderson Jr., a proud United States Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Known for his discipline and leadership, he also held the respected role of Drill Sergeant, helping train and guide fellow soldiers.
James was a devoted father to Sonya Henderson, Betty Henderson-Lee, and Leonard Benya Henderson (deceased). After his military service, he dedicated many years working as a Correctional Officer in the prison system before concluding his career at BTR Manufacturing.
He was a gun enthusiast and skilled sharpshooter who also enjoyed working on cars, a passion that reflected his hands-on nature and mechanical talent.
James will always be remembered for his service to his country, dedication to his family, and strong work ethic. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family who proudly honor his memory.
John Jeffrey White
Army
N/A
Wife owns business in Reidsville and address is Reidsville
Roger Dale Vaughn
Army
October 1966 - January 1968 (approx)
Born and raised in reidsville and been living here all his life
Army SGT
Vietnam War Veteran
2 Purple Hearts
Edwina Marie Gwynn
United States Army
10/22/1986 - 01/31/2008
Born and raised in Reidsville, NC
Biography of MSG-Retired Edwina M. Gwynn
Dedicated Service, Leadership, and Advocacy
MSG (Retired) Edwina Marie Gwynn was born and raised in Reidsville, NC. Her parents are Charlie E. Gwynn and Lorene Mills. She left home at the tender age of 18 to join the US Army to serve her country. She has been stationed, and toured, all over the world. She is an exemplary individual whose life has been characterized by faithful service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her community. Her achievements span a distinguished military career of 21 years, 3 months and 9 days of impactful civic engagement, reflecting her core values of dedication and service. Her claim to fame and the most rewarding job she had was to serve as a Drill Sergeant in Basic Combat Training and Fort Jackson, SC.
Achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, she demonstrated outstanding leadership and integrity throughout her military career. Her commitment to duty and her fellow soldiers has left a lasting legacy of professionalism and honor.
Edwina Gwynn is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and continues her lifelong dedication to serving others.
Edwina Gwynn is happily married to Miot, and has one son, Bryce who is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. She is extremely proud of Bryce and his achievements and growth, and her love and support for him are evident in all that she does.
Edwina M. Gwynn’s life is a testament to the power of service, leadership, and advocacy. From her accomplished military service to her ongoing commitment to her community, she continues to inspire those around her. Her dedication to family and the community makes her a true role model.
John Andrew Fowler
US Navy
1945-1946
John lived in Leaksville when he was a child and his grandson, John "JR" Cecil, owns a couple businesses and commercial properties downtown Reidvsville.