Sexton Sam Reed Retires after Nearly Three Decades
Dear Friends and Supporters of Oakland Cemetery,
It is with sincere appreciation that we announce the retirement of Sam Reed, Sexton of Oakland Cemetery, effective November 18, 2026.
Sam has served in a role deeply connected to the care, preservation, and stewardship of Oakland Cemetery for almost three decades. The work of a cemetery sexton carries a special responsibility: honoring those who rest here, caring for the grounds entrusted to us, and helping ensure that Oakland Cemetery remains a place of remembrance, reflection, and connection for generations to come. Sam is an exceptional caretaker of Oakland Cemetery, and his commitment to this special place and all of those for whom it means so much will be dearly missed.
Sam's contributions to Oakland over the last three decades are profound—from the care and tenderness he has shown many families in their darkest times to the partnership and friendship he consistently brings to working with Historic Oakland Foundation. All of Sam's work is deeply rooted in a spirit of service. As such, Sam will continue to work with the City after November 18 to oversee a smooth transition and ensure that his replacement benefits from his comprehensive knowledge of the Cemetery.
As Sam prepares to begin this next chapter and enjoy his incredibly hard-earned retirement, we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for his service to Oakland Cemetery and his deep commitment to partnering with Historic Oakland Foundation.
For those wishing to join us in showing our appreciation to Sam well in his final weeks at Oakland he can be reached at (404) 658-6019, via email at sreed@atlantaga.gov, or here at the Cemetery.
Historic Oakland Foundation’s Partnership with the City of Atlanta
Oakland Cemetery is a City of Atlanta park managed in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Historic Oakland Foundation staff works collaboratively and closely with the City of Atlanta to fulfill the organization’s mission of preserving, restoring, enhancing, and sharing historic Oakland Cemetery.
Sexton Sam Reed manages a crew of city employees who are responsible for the publicly maintained areas and buildings. HOF works closely with Sexton Reed and the Department of Parks and Recreation through a Memorandum of Understanding to care for and share historic Oakland Cemetery.
