Charles Baker Reed

Dr. Charles Baker Reed, DDS passed away at the age of eighty-seven (87) in his home in Waynesville, NC on Thursday, September 19, 2024. He was the late son of Lawrence and Maude Baker Reed.

Known as “C.B.” to friends and family, he grew up working in his father’s general store and grocery in Sylva, NC. A native of Jackson County, NC, C.B. loved to explore the mountains of western NC and had a true passion for the outdoors. Especially fond of fly fishing, camping, bird hunting, gardening and wood working, C.B. created and shared so many wonderful experiences with his family and friends.

As a jack of all trades and master of all as well, C.B. was a Morehead Scholar at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. At UNC, he lettered in both football and baseball and graduated with a doctorate in Dentistry. Charlie received a commission into the U.S. Air Force where he served as a Captain in Goose Bay, Labrador as a dentist until being Honorably Discharged. He then opened his own dental practice in Charlotte, NC, where he practiced dentistry and served his community for the next thirty (30) years.

While C.B. enjoyed being a dentist, his greatest passion was his family and his relationship with Christ. Having read his Bible cover-to-cover multiple times during his life, he freely and unselfishly gave of his time to others and would often be heard telling his children and grandchildren, “because that’s just what we are supposed to do.”

C.B.’s proudest title in life was that of being called, “Papaw” by his nine (9) grandchildren and five (5) great-grandchildren. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was often found reading a book to his grandkids on the sofa, teaching each how to fly fish, build wooden items (i.e., bird houses), garden, BBQ and so much more. He never missed a birthday party and went out of his way to attend as many youth sporting events as possible. Cheering on his grandsons and granddaughters every chance he had.

Charlie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sarah “Sally” Rollins-Reed, whom he was blessed to share many wonderful years with. He is also survived by one son, Mark Reed (Katie); three daughters, Jennifer Cea (Pat), Kaley Conner (Chris) and Suzanne Malouff (Dan); brother Tom Reed (Pat); nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services for Charlie will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Old Fields Cemetery in Sylva, NC. A time of remembrance and fellowship will follow at Scott’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall.

The care of Dr.. Reed has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville