Johnny Reed has officially announced his candidacy for re-election as Bedford County Register of Deeds in the May 5 Democratic Primary. The Register of Deeds is responsible for preserving all instruments required or permitted by law to be filed or recorded. These records provide essential public notice of property ownership, liens, contracts, and other transactions that impact the public’s interest.
A lifelong resident of Bedford County, Reed graduated from Shelbyville Central High School in 1978. He brings 23 years of experience as Bedford County Register of Deeds. Prior to his public service, he worked for 17 years at Bi-Lo, serving as meat department manager, and began his career at Smith’s Foodtown.
Reed is married to Kathy Reed, ESL & Instructional Support Coordinator for Bedford County Schools. They have two married adult children. Reed is an elder at First Christian Church and has been actively involved in the community through church league softball, coaching youth baseball and soccer, and participating as a former cast member of the American Cancer Society’s Hee Haw & Howdy benefit show. He currently serves as President of the Shelbyville/Bedford County Community Clinic Board.
Throughout his tenure as Register, Reed has been an active member of both the Tennessee and Middle Tennessee Registers Associations. He was named Register of the Year in 2015, Middle Tennessee Register of the Year in 2024, and currently serves as Chaplain for both associations. He is also a Certified Public Administrator through the University of Tennessee. Under his leadership, the office has received clean audits for all 23 years of his service.
Reed has worked diligently to safeguard the county’s vital land records, some dating back to 1807. In 2020, he oversaw the successful relocation of the Register’s Office to its current location, ensuring the secure transport and re-shelving of all record books.
Reed notes how his office maintains a modern, efficient operation. Reed implemented e-filing, enabling documents to be submitted quickly and securely from homes and offices. He also updated the office with printing capabilities that allow plats to be recorded and scanned onsite, eliminating the need for outsourcing. Reed and his dedicated staff strive daily to meet the needs of title searchers, attorneys, and others involved in land transfers and property transactions. The office also records military DD214 forms for veterans.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Bedford County for the past 23 years,” Reed said. “If re-elected, my staff and I will continue to provide the exceptional service our community deserves while protecting Bedford County’s vital land records.”