Napolian Reed, better known to family as Pocat, was born on November 2,1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Gloria “Bybe” Reed and James Smith. He was the second born of six children.
Napolian was very young when he moved to California. He attended both Burbank and Logan Elementary schools, and both Memorial and San Diego High schools before enlisting in the United States Army. After serving his country for a few years and being honorably discharged, Napolian met and married Shirley Hamilton. This union produced three daughters; Tamika, Kamilah and Randa. He worked at Nassco (Shipyard) for many years to provide for his family. Although his marriage ended, Napolian stayed in his daughters’ lives and continued to care for and provide for them. He later united with Crystal Lewis and to this union, Khadijah and Nate were born, and he gained a stepson, Nicholas.
Napolian was a very well-known, fun-loving, sociable person, especially after good food and a few drinks. He was definitely a family man and always had fun with his nieces, nephews, sisters, and brothers.
On March 31, 2024, Napolian was called to his Heavenly Home. Although his departure leaves pain in our hearts, he himself is feeling no pain. He’s in a place of celebration, a place of eternal happiness, and a place where he’s reunited with loved ones who have preceded him in death.
Although he left us in the physical form, he has left a big enough impact on everyone who’s related to him, knew him, or ever encountered him in life. So let the celebration begin. We were able to enjoy him for 73 years physically, and he now lives in our hearts and minds forever.
Napolian was preceded in death by both parents, including his stepfather, Alfonzo Davis, brother Nathaniel Davis, two sisters; Veris Chamberlin and Bernice McGowan, and two nephews; Charles and Raymond Titus.
He is survived by four daughters; Tamika Beason (Marlon), Kamilah Reed (Eddie), Randa Reed (Vincent), and Khadijah Reed, two sons; Nathaniel Reed and Nicholas Bates, 13 grandchildren; Tiesha, Tatyanah, Tracey, Talawna, Eddie Jr., Aniya, Dorian, Raelynn, Sequioa, Victorius, Kendrick, Jedidiah, and Mia, 9 great-grandchildren; Tashayla, Jashayla, Jamilla, Sa’mayah, Armani, Eternity, Devyn, Ashanti and Xolani, brother Henry Davis Sr., sister Ennis Harvey, and a host of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to mourn his passing.
