08/16/2026
We at the Tribune are saddened to announce the passing of one of our own – Ed Reed.
Reed, 79, died in a house fire Saturday night. No cause has been announced by fire investigators, but Arab Fire Chief Ricky Philllips said it appears to be accidental, and no foul play is suspected.
Ed was the longtime owner and publisher of The Arab Tribune, from 1970-2023 – nearly 53 years – until he sold the paper to current owner and publisher Charles Whisenant.
The Tribune was founded in 1958 by Reed’s uncle, Ralph Reed, who was tragically killed in a bus crash about 6 weeks after he started the paper.
A few weeks later, Edwin Reed’s father, Ewell Reed (Ralph’s brother), left a career as an FBI special agent in Virginia returned to Marshall County to guide the Tribune through its tough, infant years, until Ed Reed took over in 1970.
When he retired, Ed recalled working in the mail room and press room before and after school from the time he was about 8 years old.
After graduating from Auburn University, Ed came back to the Tribune as editor until he bought the business from his father and aunt.
Ed’s wife, Catherine, died in 2025.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Lezlie Reed Johnson (Marc) and Stephanie Reed Yarbrough; grandchildren, Reed Yarbrough, Ellis Yarbrough, James Ed Johnson, John Wesson (Wes) Johnson, Millie Johnson and Ellie Johnson; and his Tribune family.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
