Dr. George E. Reado, retired Calcasieu Parish School Board Director passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 79 years old.  He was born September 24, 1944, and was raised by Reverend Dr. David and Elizabeth Carter.  He was an honor graduate of W.O. Boston High School and received his bachelor's degree in education from Grambling State University where he was on the Deans list every semester until graduation.  He began his career as a science teacher and quickly moved up the ranks after completing his master's degree at McNeese State University and his PhD at Columbia University.

When he was the principal of John J. Johnson Elementary school, he was the first African American from Calcasieu Parish to travel to the state capital to receive an award for the highest elementary testing scores in the State of Louisiana. Dr. Reado was promoted to Supervisor of Elementary Schools and took the lead in ushering in a new era of accountability and increased standardized testing. He was a stern taskmaster and believed in bolstering student achievement through common-sense strategies. When another promotion was earned, Dr. Reado found himself as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for over 26 elementary schools located throughout Calcasieu Parish.

He was a proponent of positive attitudes and traditional education practices.  During his many decades of service, Dr. Reado maintained a focus on standards-based results for children and quality professional development for teachers.  He was well known and highly respected by all who knew him.   His poise, grace, and compassion would always shine through in everything he did.  He was a trusted advisor to multiple superintendents, he provided decision-makers with a unique insight into schools, education, and community needs. A calm, professional manner linked with a steady vision made him one of the strongest institutional assets in the history of the Calcasieu Parish School Board. He touched countless lives through his good works and examples. He was on numerous boards in Lake Charles to include the John J. Johnson scholarship fund to which he was the Treasurer.

Dr. Reado was an active Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Zeta Psi Lambda Chapter, Lake Charles, LA, where his commitment to social justice and impact in Education and community service was beyond measure.

After retiring from CPSB after 53 years of service during Covid in 2020, Dr. Reado enjoyed watching game shows, playing his baby grand piano and ordering gadgets off HSN and QVC.  He loved to grill and smoke meat and was a connoisseur of Louisiana cuisine and drink.   He also enjoyed spending time and talking to his loved ones on the phone for hours on end.

He leaves to mourn his beloved Edrice "Kitty" Reado of Lake Charles, LA, one daughter, Tonya Reado Taylor (James - preceded in death) of Texas, three step daughters, Mildred Patrick (Larry) of Lake Charles, Suzette Betsill (Tony) of Alexandria, VA, and Jamie Jones (Daryl ) of Atlanta, GA. One sister, Charcey Cormier of Lake Charles, LA, one sister-in-law, Lula Patricia Williams of Lake Charles, LA, three granddaughters – JaNya and Jordyn Taylor of TX, Nakisha Betsill of MD, five grandsons – James E. Johnson of TX, Jarrett E. Johnson of VA, Timothy J. White of GA , Joseph Betsill II of WV, and Jamelle Betsill of MD.  He also leaves to cherish his memory, eight great grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Dr. David and Elizabeth Carter.  He will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, March 2, at True Light Baptist Church at 1518 Gerstner Memorial Drive. Visitation will begin at 11am with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Omega service and Funeral, officiated by Rev. Kieran Coleman, following at 1:00pm. Burial interment will take place at Orange Grove Cemetery under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For condolences, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com .