Charles "Charlie" Edward Reeves Sr.'s Obituary
Covington, LA – Charles (Charlie) Edward Reeves, Sr. was born on November 29, 1938, in Houma, LA, to Sybil Blackwell Reeves and Robert (Bob) Hercy Reeves, Sr. Working in the shipyards and on the rigs from an early age, Charles was raised on the bayou and in the oil fields of South Louisiana, where his father and a business partner founded Two “R” Drilling Company in 1944.
Charles’s family later moved to New Orleans, where he attended Warren Easton Senior High School and was a star running back on the football team, earning All-District, All-Prep, and All-State Honorable Mention honors. In addition to being a football standout, Charles was naturally bright and an excellent student, winning many academic, character, and service awards.
After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in geology in 1960, Charles went on to Tulane Law School, graduating with a J.D. in 1963. He subsequently practiced law at Milling, Saal, Saunders, Benson & Woodward in New Orleans before eventually joining Two “R” Drilling Company as Executive Vice President. When the family company was later acquired, Charles’s role expanded to Vice President of Legal Affairs until his retirement in 2002.
Charles welcomed a daughter, Carla Louise, and a son, Charles (Ched) Edward, Jr., with his college sweetheart turned first wife. Several years later, Charles met Brenda Karen Carr in New Orleans on a blind date. They were a perfectly complementary match and knew instantly they wanted to get married. In true sportsman fashion, they scheduled their wedding to accommodate hunting season and were married in December of 1966. Together, Charles and Brenda raised two daughters, Kylan Minette and Kristen (Kristy) Marie.
Charles was also something many emergency surgeons consider a medical marvel. Having been in a devastating automobile accident in 1973, Charles underwent a trial procedure that required removing and returning all his internal organs. The untested surgery was a success and, after extensive physical therapy, allowed him to enjoy another 53 years with his family. Charles remained lifelong friends with all the doctors who saved him.
In 1980, Charles and Brenda moved to the Northshore to develop River Heights subdivision in Covington with their friend Judge Larry J. Green. Charles loved raising his children and his many dogs on the Little Bogue Falaya River, enjoying the land by riding his tractor and seeing his wife use their home to entertain to her heart’s content.
Charles was a passionate outdoorsman. He loved boating, hunting, fishing, golfing, ski trips, and family vacations. Some of the family’s fondest memories were made on the Two “R” barge houseboat called the “Le Chose,” meaning “The Thing” in Cajun French.
Before and after retirement, Charles found great pleasure in taking his family and friends fishing and hunting at their camps in South Louisiana. Notably, he will be remembered as the guy who would play jokes on his fellow hunters, like putting his mud boat in reverse to flip first-timers into the water while picking up decoys.
Charles also enjoyed a glass of whiskey, a nice cigar, boiled crabs and crawfish, ice cream, and all of Brenda’s cooking. Charles could be found every morning whistling classic tunes from his youth while reading the daily newspaper. He especially loved singing “I’m Picking Out a Thermos for You” or “Sweet Home Alabama” on repeat simply because he got a kick out of how much it annoyed Brenda.
Charles had a wry grin and a sharp wit. He was known for his clever quips that would incite laughter from almost anyone. Yet, behind this sarcastic exterior, Charles was quietly supportive, generous, compassionate, unassuming, and deeply caring. He never sought attention despite how deserving he was. When it came time for recognition or acknowledgement, he always gave the credit to his hardworking wife.
Known by many names (Charlie, Dad, Dear, Unc, Mr. C, and Chuckles just to name a few), Charles was beloved by those who had the honor to call him family, friend, mentor, or supporter. He was a steward of people. Like his land, he cultivated others, providing support to help them grow and access brighter futures. Charles was a champion of education until the day he died, and his priority was to give the children in his orbit as much education as they wanted.
Charles is survived by his four children; his six grandchildren, Blake Bodin (Brianna Kora), Bren Bodin, Brooks Bodin, Peyton Reeves, Briley Bodin White (Jaden White), and Braden Bodin; and one great-granddaughter, Grey Elise Reeves. He is also survived by many cherished nephews, nieces, in-laws, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother Robert (Bobby) Reeves, Jr., his sister Margaret (Bebe) Reeves, and his son-in-law Dr. Christopher (Chris) Bodin.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Amy Sherrill, the caretaker for Charles and Brenda over the last six years. Amy cared for them with deep love and compassion, helping fill their final years with laughter, comfort, and support. They would also like to thank the many hands and roustabouts who helped Charles nurture the land he cared so deeply about.
To honor his dislike of the spotlight, a private memorial will be held at a later date. In the spirit of Charles’s unending generosity, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Brenda C. Reeves Tuition Assistance Fund, created at St. Scholastica Academy https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_54a74c7f-a854-11eb-bd4f-02088ed4fa11&WidgetId=57247744
in memory of his late wife, or to the Northshore Humane Society, https://www.northshorehumane.org/give in honor of his lifelong love for dogs.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with Mr. Reeves' arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?