Charles Russell Reed

Charles “Charlie” Russell Reed, 87, of Salisbury passed away on May 19, 2018. Charlie was born on February 20, 1931 in Forest City, NC. He was the son of Viola Mae McDaniel and Martin Robert Reed. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School where he played football and served as drum major. Charlie earned Bachelor’s degrees in Textiles and Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State College, where he was the drum major and played oboe in the college band. While at NC State College, he met his sweetheart, “Genny.” Charlie and Genevieve “Genny” Bonds were married in 1954 in San Antonio, Texas. Charlie was unable to leave work for the weekend, so he sent his bride-to-be a plane ticket to join him in Texas to be married. The two have shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. They have resided in San Antonio, TX, Raleigh, NC, Pensacola, FL, Shelby, NC, Harrogate, England, Charlotte, NC, Forest City, NC and finally settling in Salisbury, NC. Charlie and Genny have three children; Lyn Gill (John), Charles “Chuck” Russell Reed, Jr. (Cammy) and Leigh Michalec. Charlie was a talented musician. He played numerous instruments, including piano, oboe, trumpet and violin. He often played piano in their home while Genny sang along. Charlie earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1945 after earning 47 merit badges. The honor of Eagle Scout remained one of his proudest moments throughout his life. Charlie also proudly served his country during the Korean War as First Lieutenant in the United States Army. Following his time in service, he worked as a mechanical engineer for Fiber Industries and Reed Engineering and Development, which he founded. Charles was a co-founder of Sardis Swim and Racquet Club in Charlotte, NC, and was also a co-founder and served on the Board of Directors for Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC. Charlie enjoyed woodworking, history, music, hunting, and watching baseball, especially if his grandson Russell was playing (as Charlie felt he had been too clumsy to play himself). Charlie went by many names throughout his lifetime, but his favorite was PawPaw or Pop. He was a loving grandfather to four grandchildren; Jennifer Gill Shukla (Sanjai), Jeffrey Gill, Russell Michalec (Sarah) and Lindsey Reed, and two great grandchildren; Arjun and Jay Shukla. Having his children and grandchildren visit his home gave him the ultimate joy. He felt they could make an ordinary day a holiday if they were together. Charlie was a true gentleman. He always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. His quick wit and knowledge of almost anything was unmatched. He felt life was best lived with a dog and bowl of banana pudding. He will be profoundly missed. Charlie’s legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and his brother Robert “Bob” Reed. His parents, brother, Fred Reed (Levonna), and sister-in-law Monty Beam Reed precede him in death. Charlie will be buried at the Veterans National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC in a private service. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care. Summersett Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Reed family. Online condolences may be left at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Charles Russell Reed

February 20, 1931 - May 19, 2018