Charles Herbert Reach

Reach, Charles Herbert, 85, of Montevallo, AL, passed away at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025, after a lengthy Illness. Charles was born in Dallas, TX, on August 26, 1940. He was the only son of the late Samuel Archie Reach (S.A.) of Alabaster, AL, and Clara Faye Elder, formerly of Valley Mills, Texas. Charles grew up in a family with four younger sisters, who, along with his Mother, spoiled him rotten. Their home was in the shadow of their paternal grandparents’ home, as well as that of several Aunts and Uncles, which provided many beloved cousins to go on adventures with. That environment was the perfect “village” in which to live, and created life-long, loving relationships. From a young teen Charles was a gifted auto mechanic. For many years, he was an avid auto racing enthusiast. His drag racing experience began at the old race track in Helena, AL, and took him to places like BIR at the Fair Grounds, Sayre race track, and others where he participated in drag racing, figure eight, and demolition derbies in cars that he had customized with the help of like-minded friends in his mechanics shop under the big shade tree. Later in life, Charles, along with his son-in-law, Kevin, even built his own customized three wheel motor bike from a Volkswagen chassis, which included all design, sheet metal, mechanical, electrical, and paint and body work. It was beautiful. After serving in the Army, Charles followed in his father’s footsteps and chose carpentry as his life’s vocation. He worked his way up the ladder from apprentice carpenter to foreman; and according to his Daddy, was known as one of the best trim carpenters of his time. Charles led many construction jobs to completion as a Commercial Project Manager; retiring from Great South Construction Company in Pelham, AL, in that position. Left behind to mourn his passing are his sisters; Ann Prestridge (Walter) of Opelika, AL, and Linda Moore (Robert) of Alabaster, AL; his daughter, Carolyn Stokes (Steve) of Sterrett, AL; and his son, Russell Reach (Becky) of Red Bay, AL. Charles is also survived by his step-daughters, Pam King (Kevin) of Montevallo, AL, and Tracy Adair (Mike) of Smithfield, NC; his step-son, John Butler of Montevallo, AL; and Lynette Butler of Thorsby, AL; his adopted daughter, Donna Wyatt (James); ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and special cousins. Charles is preceded in death by his loving wife of thirty-six years, Hazel Jean Bailey, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, NC; his son, Samuel Edward Reach, Montevallo, AL; a granddaughter, Amber Belcher; his parents, S.A. and Faye Reach of Alabaster, AL; and his sisters, Lois Reach Cooper, and Joyce Reach Smith, both of Columbiana, Alabama. Charles was a member of South Shelby Masonic Lodge 140 located in Columbiana, AL; reaching the position of Worshipful Master. The Service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Bolton Funeral Home, 207 Highway 47 South, Columbiana, Alabama. Visitation is from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with Rev. Michael McVay, of First Baptist Church of Alabaster, bringing the Memorial Message and the graveside prayer. Burial will follow at Still Memorial Cemetery, 8828 Highway 119, in Alabaster, AL, and will conclude with Military Honors and Masonic Rites. Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

Charles Herbert Reach

August 26, 1940 - October 5, 2025