Clarke Reed

Clarke Thomas Reed Sr. (August4, 1928December8, 2024) was an American businessman and politician. He served as Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party from 1966 to 1976. Prior to his political career, Reed was an agricultural businessman and a graduate in economics.

Reed was widely credited for strengthening the Republican Party's influence and eventual dominance in the Southern United States. He was raised in Caruthersville, Missouri. He was credited for unifying the Southern United States GOP Convention delegates to vote for Richard Nixon in 1968. Reed threw his support behind Ford and, in doing so, stopped Reagan's momentum at the convention, permitting Ford to win the nomination.

Karl Rove, former advisor to President George W. Bush, noted that "President, senators, congressmen, and governors depended on [Reed] for counsel and leadership" while also calling him a "political pioneer".

Reed died at his home in Greenville on December8, 2024, from complications of pneumonia, at the age of 96.