POWERGRAMS

11 who has performed in clubs all over the Southeast, most notably Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville. He has played shows with country greats, like Charlie Daniels, Toby Keith, Tammy Wynette and Colin Rae. One of his prized possessions is a white fiddle that bears the signatures of the stars he has played with along the way. A latecomer to music, Reed said he was 28 years old when he began teaching himself to play the fiddle, at the urging of a friend who performed in a bluegrass band at the time. "I ended up with a fiddle that I bought at a yard sale for $5. It laid around in the basement for two years before I ever picked it up," Reed said. "I started learning in the basement, and I knew the night my wife, Candy, let me come upstairs to play that I was getting better. As time went on, I began sitting in with my friend's band, and the rest is history." Reed said Patrick, his other son, Allen, and daughter, Kristin Mathis, share his passion for music. He has even joined them onstage in their own shows. These days, Reed plays his fiddle at church or an occasional wedding. "After 35 years in the music business, I woke up one morning and said to myself, 'This ain't fun anymore,' so I hung it up," he said. Looking ahead Reed, 69, said he plans to work a while longer before retiring. He looks forward to spending time with his five grandchildren. In preparation for moving on from Alabama Power, he has spent the past two years building a 7,000-square-foot workshop on his 25-acre property in Winfield. There, he plans to continue pursuing his woodworking and metalworking hobbies. "When I was a kid, the other kids were getting four-wheelers and go-carts, while I was getting tools," said Reed. "I got a power saw for Christmas when I was 12, and it has grown from there." Mike Bunn, supervisor, Land Acquisition-North, said Reed will be missed when he decides to retire. "Rickey's experience in acquiring land rights for Alabama Power runs deep," Bunn said. "He is well- respected and readily shares his knowledge with other members of our team, and the external network he has developed over many years has been key to difficult negotiations. We are all honored by his long dedication and service to Alabama Power." Reed said he has "never had any desire to work anywhere but Alabama Power." "I have been provided opportunities to progress because I always try to give 110%," he said. "The company has raised and educated my three kids and continues to provide a good living for me and my wife." Reed leans on one of his woodworking machines in his shop. Reed's prized white fiddle is autographed by music greats.

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