Charles Richard Reed III

Chuck was born on March 5, 1934 in Grand Rapids Michigan and is the son of the late Charles Richard Reed Jr. and Cleo C. (Belliel) Reed. He graduated from Creston High School in 1952 and Michigan State University in 1960 as an Electrical Engineer. He served in the United States Air Force from February 1953 until December 1956 as a First-Class Airman, earning the Korean Ribbon and being named Airman of the Month. He married Nancy S. Wilson on August 20, 1960; she preceded him in death on June 28, 1969. On May 16, 1970, Charles married Mary C. Mumaw.

Chuck lived a full and rich life defined by family, hard work, and the great outdoors. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Chuck's legacy is rooted in the love he shared and the values he instilled in his family. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama, Portage Lake Association, Walter Durkee Post 311 of American Legion as Post Commander, Grand Rapids Mfg. Council, and Romeo’s (real old men eating out).

An electrical engineer by profession, Chuck had a long and respected career. He was employed for 30 years as Director of Operations at Vickers Electromechanical in Grand Rapids, retiring on March 4, 1999. He approached each challenge with curiosity and commitment, earning the admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Outside of work, Chuck was an avid fisherman and hunter. Whether casting a line at dawn or trekking through the woods in the fall, he found peace and joy in nature. His stories of the "big one that got away" and his deep respect for the land are part of the cherished memories he leaves behind. He also had a passion for aviation and one of his favorite memories was soaring through the air in a glider - a moment that truly embodied his love for flying. Chuck was an excellent dancer with a natural grace and rhythm that never failed to impress. Many were lucky to have him as a dance partner.

Chuck shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with Mary, building a home filled with laughter, warmth, and unshakable devotion. Together, they raised eight children, and his pride in them was unmatched. His life was further enriched by the joy of twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren who brought him immense pride and happiness.

Known for his quick wit and love of a good card game, Chuck never passed up a chance to sit down at the table. Whether it was poker night with friends or a raucous family round of cribbage or euchre, he played to win, but always with a smile and a story. Chuck will be remembered for his strength, generosity, and the twinkle in his eye that never quite faded. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the traditions he upheld, and the lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his grandson Gabriel John Hitchings, granddaughter Dana Lynn (Ryan) LaHaie, and great-grandson Reed Allen LaHaie. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his eight children: Virginia (Bruce) Richards, Douglas (Pam) Reed, Julia (Larry) Fox, Charles (Michelle) Reed IV, Michele (Bill) Johnson, Susan (Michael) Ralston, Kimberly (Steve) Palethorpe, Shannon (Thomas) O’Keefe, 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters Janice (Ed) Shier and Joan Rowe.

Tight lines, steady aim, and a full hand—Chuck, you lived it well.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel on Wednesday June 11, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 12, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Final interment will be in Blythefield Memory Gardens in Grand Rapids.

Please visit Charles’s personal book of memories page at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grand-rapids-mi/charles-reed-12399204/add-memory to share a photo or story with his family.