Johnny Reed recently announced his candidacy for re-election as Bedford County Register of Deeds in the May 3 Democratic primary. Reed has served in his current position for the last 20 years. He is a lifelong resident of Bedford County and a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School.  

Prior to being elected in 2002, he spent 27 years in the grocery business and was meat market manager at BI-LO. He has been married to Kathy Reed, principal of Learning Way Elementary, for 38 years; they have 2 children.  

Reed is an elder and choir member at First Christian Church, where he’s in the Disciples Men’s Group.  

He’s also a certified public administrator through the University of Tennessee and trained in local government leadership. He has served as chaplain of the Tennessee Registers Association and middle Tennessee Registers Association—a post he’s held multiple times.  

Reed was elected as president of the Tennessee Registers Association in 2014 and received the Exemplary Service Award in 2015. He’s also served as past president of the Middle Tennessee Registers Association and on the County Officials of Tennessee (COAT) board. Reed has coached youth sports for years.  

He has been a member of the American Cancer Society’s “Hee Haw and Howdy” cast for 21 years and participates in Relay for Life. He’s past chairman of the United Way of Bedford County and co-chaired the activities for the Bicentennial celebration in 2007.  

That same year, he received the Good Citizens Award and the Outstanding Leadership Award from Shelbyville-Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. Reed has served on the board of National Day of Prayer.  

He is currently serving as a board member and vice president of the Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County, Inc.  

He is an accomplished singer and volunteers as Santa Claus for the Adult Activity Center, Shelbyville Recreation Center and various schools and organizations.  

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Bedford County,” said Reed. “My family and staff have been overwhelmed by the love and support this community has shown us over these past 20 years. Being your Register of Deeds is not just a job, it’s my passion. Over the next 4 years, I will continue to protect the citizens and the vital records of Bedford County, giving you peace of mind with knowledgeable, professional and dedicated.”