In the quiet community of Onancock, Virginia, the summer of 2021 was shattered by a brutal act of violence that claimed the life of 53-year-old Dean Herbert Reid. A white male, Reid was a beloved and active member of his community, known for his kindness and willingness to help others. His life was tragically cut short on July 3, 2021, when he and 75-year-old Brenda Iline Barnes were found deceased in a home on Deep Creek Road, both victims of gunshot wounds.
Dean Reid was a man of many
talents who dedicated his life to serving his community in various roles. Over the years, he had been a drafter, a corrections officer, a school bus driver, and a public safety dispatcher. His commitment to public service was most evident in his long-standing involvement with the Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. Inc., where he was a lifetime member. He had served as vice-president, a member of the board of directors, and at the time of his death, was the company chaplain. A self-taught drummer from the age of three, he also shared his musical talents at the Faith Assembly of God in Leemont. Remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, his sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the close-knit Eastern Shore community.
The investigation into the double homicide led the Accomack County Sheriff's Office to a suspect. An Exmore man was taken into custody in connection with the killings. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The arrest brought a small measure of relief to a grieving community, as they began the process of mourning the loss of two of their own.
A Celebration of Life service for Dean Reid was held on July 17, 2021, at the Exmore Baptist Church, followed by a reception at the Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. The outpouring of support from the community was a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. He was remembered not only for his numerous contributions to public safety and his church but also for his warm personality, his love for his family, and his ever-present willingness to sacrifice for others.
