Bill Reed

William “Bill” Lawrence Reed, 62, of Pinellas Park, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Bill Reed was a loving husband, brother, father, proud grandfather, and good friend. He was one of the damndest farriers there ever was, captivated with his animated storytelling, and made a mean old-fashioned.

Bill was born on August 8, 1962 in Largo Florida and grew up causing enough trouble to have fun, but not enough trouble to derail his dream of becoming a farrier – something he aspired to be since watching a horse shoeing when he was in the fourth grade. He shod horses for over 35 years – from the palm lined pastures of South Florida all the way up the east coast of the United States via the Carolina Foothills. While Bill was known for shoeing top-end sport horses, he was best known for his mentorship of aspiring farriers. Most masters of their craft kept secrets close, but Bill “did it for the horse” and in turn was passionate about teaching others to do it right. He was a fiercely humble man but was immensely proud of reaching the rank of Jedi Master in the world of horseshoeing. 

Horses were always part of his life, which led him to the love of his life, Patti. Friends since 1981, together since 2011, and married since 2020, Bill and Patti owned and operated Amber Glen Feed Depot & Pet Supply and Amber Glen Equestrian Center in Pinellas Park. His love for all animals, decades of knowledge, and the fact that he’d never met a stranger made him a customer favorite. While some unauthorized “free trials” of products never helped the bottom line, Bill loved working the register and the human connections that went along with it. During the last few years of his life, he’d become a chicken aficionado and fowl language scholar. It wasn’t unusual to find him in the store with a small chicken on his shoulder or in his immediate vicinity.

Besides carving soles, nipping hooves, and shaping shoes by fire, Bill loved helping others. He would do anything for anyone but was especially partial to children and those with special needs. He regularly hosted 4H kids at the farm, moonlighted as Santa Claus around the holidays, and helped launch Bakas Horses for the Handicapped. He’d spent a lot of time ensuring that Amber Glen Equestrian Center was wheelchair accessible in hopes of hosting programming for the handicapped. 

Bill loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing, chickens, and nursing an old-fashioned with a cigar – in that order. He cherished time with his grandchildren. He loved to entertain at the farm or gather with friends at one of the many spots at which he and Patti were “regulars.” His stories and their delivery were legendary from start to finish. He’d startle you by leaping out of his chair with surprising agility to act something out – in the middle of a busy restaurant – and bring it home resulting in endless laughs. 

Bill will be missed by everybody that knew him and probably even those that didn’t. Family and friends will be gathering on Good Friday (April 18th) to drink and tell stories at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center (4951 78th Avenue North, Pinellas Park) at 6:00 PM. 

In his honor, his family and friends are launching the Bill Reed Foundation that will ensure future generations can learn to love and care for animals, just like he did. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation.  Checks may be made payable to the Bill Reed Memorial Foundation, 6348 102 Ave N., Pinellas Park Florida 33782.