Gerald B

Gerald B. Reams, M.D., 90 yrs., of Greenup, KY, passed away peacefully at his home at Trinity Station Retirement Community on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Dr. Reams was born on September 17, 1929, in Lexington, KY. He was the son of the late George E. and Nelle Brock Reams of Harlan, KY. In addition to his parents, Dr. Reams was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary Karolyn Spillman Reams in 2017; his brother, Harold L. Reams, M.D. of Lexington, KY; and his brother-in-law, Everett Earl McGuire of Ashland, KY. He is survived by his five children, Hon. Gerald B. (Mary Beth) Reams and Dr. Mary M. Reams both of Ashland, KY, Dr. Mark (LeeAnne Walmsley) Reams of Harrodsburg, KY, Carol Reams (George) Hromyak of Frankfort, KY, and Dr. Lynn (Robert) Shelburne of Taylorsville, KY. He was a huge fan of his nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sister-in-laws: Martha S. McGuire of Ashland, KY and Mary Virginia Reams of Lexington, KY. He also has many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of extended family and dear friends. “Doc” was a dedicated tireless Physician/Surgeon who provided skilled and compassionate care of innumerable residents of the Tri-State area during his forty-plus years in practice. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science Degree and from Medical School at Northwestern University in 1952. He completed a one-year Internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Reams Joined the Airforce in July of 1953, the same year as beginning his Surgical Residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. He completed his Surgical Residency in July of 1957 and accepted an overseas assignment at Wimpole Park Airforce Base in London, England. Returning with his family to Biloxi, MS Airforce Base in July of 1960, he was assigned to Project Mercury, the Astronaut Recovery Program. He was one of many medical teams stationed on Airforce Carriers throughout the World supporting astronauts upon their return to Earth. Dr. Reams resigned from the Airforce in July of 1962 as a Major and moved to Ashland, KY to begin his Private Practice of General and Thoracic Surgery. He was a longtime member of the American College of Chest Physicians, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery. He also served as Chief of Staff at both Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital and King’s Daughters Medical Center during his esteemed career in Ashland, KY. In addition to his gift for healing, he led a full and resourceful life. He cared for and developed a large farm in Greenup County-Rivendell Farm. By both his medical practice and his farm life, he instilled the virtues of hard work and dedication in all of his children. For over thirty years, he and his wife and lifelong companion were instrumental in the breeding and development of World Class American Saddlebred Horses, at one time having as many as forty. His horses were many times World and National Champions and his daughter, Carol was the National American Saddlebred Equitation competitor at Madison Square Gardens. Later in Life, he and Karolyn developed a renowned AKC breeding and showing programs of Smooth Hair Fox Terriers. His most favorite dog of all time, Rivendell Boo preceded him in death just a year ago. Doc also served as an AKC judge for many dog shows nationwide and was a joint owner of a winning standard poodle at the famous West Minster Dog Show in New York at Madison Square Gardens. He was a relentless UK basketball and football fan, yet cheered for the many Alma Mater’s of his children and grandchildren, even U of L! Dr. Reams will always be remembered for some of his personal qualities. He was always open for new adventures and learning new skills. He and Karolyn learned to ski, scuba dive, and took flying lessons after the age of fifty. They were worldwide travelers, enjoying both these great United States as many trips abroad as well. Classical Music was a favorite way to relax and they were regular attendees of Operas, Broadway shows, Classical Music and Willie Nelson. He was a consummate “foodie”, often the descriptions of his travel involving the many restaurants they visited during their many travels. He loved his dogs, he loved his horses, he loved his John Deere tractor, he loved and appreciated his Trinity family, he loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and remained devoted to all throughout his life. The immense love for his wife, Karolyn, outdistanced all others and it is with great happiness that now, they are together, hand in hand, forever reunited. He passed his zest for life to all of his children and that wonderful smile he always radiated will be a part of his memory, never to be forgotten. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, as he would have wished and in keeping with his lifelong sacred now to “first, do no harm”, the family has decided to postpone visitation and a celebration of the life of this great gentleman to a later date. A private service will be conducted graveside. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in his honor to Samaritan’s Purse: World Medical Mission (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607) and American Horse Adoption/Saddlebred Rescue, Inc. (#6  Meadow Cliff Lane, Hardwick, NJ 07825).   The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Trinity Station Retirement Community, Nancy and JP Bailey and Dr. Lori McCoy for providing their care and support during the final years of the very full life of Dr. Reams. He was the king of the Trinity Station Palace and was treated as such for three years.