Charles Ray Reed, Jr. was born April 2, 1958, in Corrigan, Texas, to parents Betty (Morris) and Charles Ray Reed, Sr. He passed away October 17, 2026.

Ray was a hardworking man who took great pride in his trade, his knowledge and the reputation he built throughout his career. He owned his own drilling company for many years and is even named as a co-inventor on a U.S. Patent for obtaining subsurface material property measurements using a ring bit drilling probe. He later spent 28 years as Drilling Service Line Manager for Fugro Inc. in Houston where he felt respected and valued by the people he worked alongside. Ray took great satisfaction in leading a crew, solving problems and being the person everyone could count on for answers to keep a job moving forward.

When he wasn't working, Ray enjoyed fishing, boating, playing cards or fixing vehicles. He had a natural talent for figuring out how things worked, offering unique solutions to keep machines going. As a believer of hands-on knowledge, he made sure he taught his kids how to unhook a fish, check and change their oil, and slow-cook a brisket. Of course, he made sure they knew he was always available to help them out if they needed it, often starting texts or voicemails to his daughters with "hey sweetie - I'm just checking on you..."

He looked forward to seeing new Marvel movies with his son, and he could happily rewatch Star Trek episodes anytime (especially ones with Dr. Crusher). He loved classic rock and roll and was always up to host a party - whether it was a fish fry, a Halloween get-together or a family reunion. Once, he even turned his shop into a dance venue for his daughter's high school class.

Ray is survived by his children, Chantea Allen, Felicity Sumner (Chris), Monte Reed (Marie), Chelsie Vallejo (Nick), Coty Reed (Faye) and Colby Reed. His grandchildren, who called him "Pop", include Tyler Allen, Dylan Allen, Paige Sumner, Megan Sumner, Riley Allen, Lily Vallejo, Grayson Reed, Charley Vallejo, Hendrix Vallejo, Roan Vallejo, Demi Vallejo and Everly Vallejo. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Terry Reed, his stepmother Carrel Reed, his stepfather, Alvin Marshall, his daughter Charity Reed, and his son-in-law, Gary Allen.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Allen, Dylan Allen, Riley Allen, Coty Reed, Nick Vallejo, and Wayne Wright.

Visitation will be held at Heritage Oak Funeral Home,1080 Interstate 45 S, Huntsville, Texas 77340, October 21, from 6 - 8 p.m. Services will be Thursday, October 22 at 10 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Prairie Grove Cemetery in Diboll, Texas at 2 p.m.