Committal
Reid Parker Withrow, 77, of Morganton, NC, passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024. He was born on October 15, 1946 in Wilson County, NC to the late John Withrow, Jr. and Elizabeth Akerman Withrow. He was a member of Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John David Withrow; brothers-in-law, Rich Bruder and Donald Whisnant; first wife, Paula Harris.
Reid is survived by his wife, Lori Ann Palisi; son, Brett Withrow and wife Dana, grandchildren Malia and Parker Withrow and Trey Taylor. Twin sister, Lelia Bruder and older sister Laura Beth Whisnant. Nieces and nephews Beth and Will Dagenheart, Ellen and Dennis Abernathy, Jamie and Jeff Gladden, Jimmy Withrow, Gary and Sherri Spichiger, Crystal and David Blue, a multitude of great nieces and nephews, and his sweet fur baby Winston.
His career as an aquarist started at the Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu, where he stayed after discharge from the Marine Corps following his tour in Vietnam. From Honolulu, Reid helped open aquariums in New Orleans and Guam, also having served as husbandry director for aquariums in San Francisco and Minneapolis. Everyone who knew him agrees on two things: he was a good person, and a fish-catching ninja under water. He was a dedicated Papa and was often found on the sidelines cheering and sometimes sleeping, playing hours of Halo or reading favorite stories.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church with Rev. Andrew Parker officiating. Military honors will be provided by the US Marines. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Reid Parker Withrow.
I remember so clearly the first time I met Reid. I was in Kiribati banding birds and he was there netting juvenile blacktip reef sharks. He was sprinting around in the ocean shallows scooping up sharks with a hand net—and he was really good at it. Years later, in one of those small world things, we spent several years working together in New Orleans and the Florida Keys, and Reid became a lifelong friend. When I think of Reid I remember his kindness, his love of books, his fondness for cats, his delight in eating Bananas Foster and his truly gentle soul.
*Aloha* Reid...We will always remember the fond memories of the time we spent together diving in Hawaii. Until we meet again, aloha from your ohana!!
Reid was a friend and colleague and co-worker at the Aquarium of the Americas, although I first met on a bus traveling from the Nice airport in France to Monaco (fun times). Reid was an amazing fish collector and overall athlete which I'm sure contributed to his frequent unplanned naps during every meeting. He will be missed.
Reid was very kind and helpful when I worked at The Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. He was soft spoken and I remember his great sense of humor. He will be missed!
Reid I am proud to have been your friend and high school classmate. Life took you along many paths I will always remember how surprised I was to see you at the Waikiki aquarium! You were a smart sensitive guy with a great sense of humor. Thanks for the memories.
We are all going to miss Reid at every get together.He was a kind and loving man. Prayers for the family. Love you Bret, Dana. Malia and Parker.
I will always remember Reid as a friendly, happy professional, who was a joy to work with! He was always ready to share his knowledge or a laugh. Best wishes, Jim.