In Memoriam
Published on Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Randall Kirk Reid
May 4, 1963—January 15, 2022
Dr. Randall “Kirk” Reid, M.D., 58, of Madison, Mississippi, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 15, 2022 while hunting in Deming, New Mexico.
Kirk was born on May 4, 1963 to the late Glendal Eugene Reid and Charlotte Gaston Reid of Ackerman, Mississippi. He graduated with a degree in general science from Mississippi State University in 1985, married his beloved wife, Mitcie, in 1988, and in 1990 received his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. They then moved to Texas where he completed postgraduate training in medicine and anesthesiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston four years later. After which he and Mitcie returned to Mississippi with a two-year-old daughter and a two-week-old son in tow. Six years later they welcomed a third child. He was employed by Jackson Anesthesia Associates for twenty-one years and served multiple terms as president of the group. Most recently, he was Vice Chair for Clinical Services within the department of Anesthesiology and was Chief of the Medical Staff at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He also served as an appointed member to the advisory board of the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University.
As an avid hunter who traveled extensively pursuing this passion, it was only fitting that his last trip was spent doing what he loved with his son and one of his medical colleagues on the trip of a lifetime. Kirk’s other hobbies included competing in triathlons and following college sports, especially his alma mater. A voracious reader and history buff, he had a zest for life that was contagious. His laugh was loud and genuine, and his smile lit up his entire face, especially when telling stories about his children or grandsons.
He was a force of nature in the workplace and outside it. He was described as a superb clinician, an outstanding teacher, and a steady presence in navigating difficult situations. A keen analytical mind coupled with his ability to develop relationships with all types of people quickly propelled him in the ranks of leadership at UMMC. He was always willing to discuss career moves, the best novels to read, and which athletic recruits had the fastest speed and which university would be getting them. He did nothing passively but approached all things – marriage, fatherhood, work, and sport – with joy, humor, and devotion.
“He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever encountered,” said Dr. Peter Arnold, professor of surgery, chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and associate chief medical officer for hospital operations. “He took care of his partners, his patients and his family. He looked out for his
friends. He was one of the first people to reach out to you whenever he thought something was wrong.
I learned a tremendous amount from Kirk, administratively and clinically. Our specialties are different, but I considered him to be a teacher for me, just by the way he managed patients and the way he managed mayhem. He was excellent at managing mayhem.”
“This has truly devastated the department,” said Dr. Douglas Bacon, professor and chair of anesthesiology. “He was like a brother to me. Kirk was one of the most skilled anesthesiologists with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. He could take on just about anything.”
Dr. Alan Jones described Reid as a “revered member of our medical staff. He was widely regarded as an outstanding clinician, mentor and friend,” said Jones, professor of emergency medicine, and associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs at UMMC. “Those who knew him are honored to have called him a colleague and friend. His presence in our institution will be missed on a daily basis.”
In 2017, Reid received the Patricia Norman, MD Award for Professionalism within the anesthesia department which did not surprise Dr. Bryan Hierlmeier, associate professor of anesthesiology.
“If you wanted a job done, he was your man,” said Hierlmeier, the residency program director. “Kirk Reid was an amazing person. He meant more to our department than people will ever know.”
In 2020, Reid’s talent as an educator was acknowledged with the Trailblazer Teaching Award, School of Medicine. “Residents really loved working with him,” Bacon said. “He would push them to do things they didn’t think they could do, just to show them how good they really are, and they appreciated that.”
Kirk is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Mitcie Abel Reid, and his children- Jennifer Rawson (Chad) of Madison, MS; Cooper Reid of Madison, MS; Courtney Reid of Madison, MS; grandchildren- Patrick Rawson and Jameson Rawson; mother- Charlotte Gaston Reid of Ackerman, MS; sibling- Lynne Reid Sneed (Rory) of Columbus, MS; sister-in-law- Jamie Abel Brown of Brentwood, TN; nephews- Parker Brown, Luke Brown, Logan Sneed, and Luke Sneed; nieces- Bailey Brown, Emerson Brown, and Corinne Brown; and mother and father-in-law- Jimmy and Margie Abel of Madison, MS. A visitation was held Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, and the funeral service was held the following day, Thursday, January 20, at Madison United Methodist Church.
Heather Taylor
December 4, 1981—January 2, 2022
Heather Renea Taylor, 40, passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022 in Florence, MS. Heather was born on December 4, 1981 in Jackson, MS to Terry Scott Harrell Sr. and Kay Harrell. She was raised in Rankin County before moving to Flora a few short years ago. She loved her job as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Heather was a very giving person who loved people and was so generous with her time. She worked extremely hard to reach her accomplishments and was very proud of those accomplishments. She was a very driven person and could do anything that she put her mind to. Most of all she loved her family.
“Heather was a wonderful friend and coworker. Loved by so many. She would step up to the plate when nobody else would. She always showed great compassion and care to her patients. I will never forgot her smile”—Chad Goodwin
“She helped me through her kindness praying for me, my family, and our patients. She was diligent and compassionate in her care of our patients. Especially when things were stressful during a case I always felt like the respect we shared helped make us a wonderful team. It was always a positive to see that we would be working together. I miss her kind heart, her deep concern for those around her.”—John Bethea
“I was a new CRNA, nervous and in a new profession. She welcomed me with patience, understanding, and kindness. She was everything and more that was good in the world and to our profession. We are so fortunate to have crossed paths during our lifetime with someone as genuine as her.”—Emma To
“Heather was such a sweet and kind soul. She was extremely helpful and even when our meetings were about tough topics, she would smile us through. She welcomed me with open arms, and somewhat as a mediator, when I initially began to work with the anesthesia team. And that will always be appreciated. Her smile and laugh were infectious. Definitely so happy that I had the opportunity to be touched by her bright light! Heaven has a new angel. I know she will continue to watch over all us that had the honor to know her. Prayers for her spirit, her family, her work family and friends.”—Jameika Stuckey
Heather is preceded in death by her father, Terry Scott Harrell, Sr. and her father- in- Law Charles Taylor. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, James Taylor of Flora; mother, Kay Harrell of Pearl; brothers, Michael (Jessica) Morgan of Richland, Shawn Morgan of Raymond, Terry Scott (Jessica) Harrell Jr. of Florence; nieces and Nephews, Zac Morgan, Addison Morgan, Willow Harrell, Jacob Miller, Kelsey McKay and Kaitlin Aleman; mother-in-law, Martha Taylor of Vicksburg; brother- in-law, Charles Taylor of Vicksburg; and her faithful fur baby companion, Charlie Brown. The family received friends for the visitation on Thursday, January 6th, 2022, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, followed by a private family Memorial Service.