Charles Edwin Reiley

Charles Edwin Reiley, 83, known by his family and friends as Chuck and to his grandchildren “Pop”, died peacefully Sunday, October 22nd surrounded by his loved ones at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.  

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin on December 4, 1939 he was the son of Charles and Louise Reiley. He graduated from Decatur High School in GA in 1958 and Wake Forest University in 1962.

While at Wake Forest, he served as the quarterback of the football team. After serving in the US army for 2 years, he joined Southern Bell as an executive and finished his career as the city executive for Bellsouth in Asheville. He retired after spending 38 years with Bellsouth. 

Chuck was married to the love of his life, Lucy Barnes Reiley, and they enjoyed 61 beautiful years of marriage. Lucy (or “Lulu” as she’s called by her grandchildren) and  Chuck met while in college.

He is survived by her, his daughter, Laura Reiley of Asheville, NC and son Alan Reiley (Carly) of Broomfield, CO.  He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Meredith Dean of Charlotte, NC and Harrison Dean (Taylor) of Alpharetta, GA and Landry and Nash Reiley of Broomfield, Colorado. His siblings include his sister, Sherron Doss and his late sister Sandra Pritchett.

Chuck’s contributions in Asheville, Black Mountain, and other communities where Lucy and their children lived, are numerous (even global).

He was highly active in civic affairs, serving as the chairman of the Grove Arcade Public market Foundation board, co-chairman of the Children First advocacy group, and served on the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, Health Adventures, United Way, and Better Business Bureau boards.

He also was an avid golfer, devoted churchman, and committed Rotarian. 

Chuck was a member of the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A, in which he served as a Ruling Elder for many decades. His service to the church included various assignments on committees of Presbytery as well as teaching a Bible class for years.

Chuck was a lifelong member of Rotary which is committed to “Service above self”. As Rotary District Governor and a leader in multiple Rotary clubs, he was always working to better our world (from literacy and peace to water and health).

Lucy and Chuck traveled as Rotarians to various parts of the world including Australia, Central America, and Europe. Chuck was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary. 

When it comes to character, Chuck was known as a person of deep integrity and loyalty. He was the most humble, devoted, thoughtful, loyal, and kind gentleman with quick, dry wit.

He had a true servant's heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to anyone. 

He treasured his many friends, family, colleagues, church community members, and nonprofit partners, holding a very special place in his heart for each and every one.

Everyone said he was the sweetest man they had ever met. 

The family wants to thank his loving staff at  Mission Hospital and AdventHealth Hospital for their excellent care in his final days.

We invite friends and family to join on Monday, October 30th for a Service of Witness to the Resurrection and of Thanksgiving for Chuck’s life at 2:00p at First Presbyterian Church at 40 Church St, Asheville, NC 28801 due to the fact that the Black Mountain Presbyterian Sanctuary is under renovation.

Parking can be found at the church. Additional parking may be made available at Trinity Episcopal and Central Methodist.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at https://bmpcnc.org/give  or the Annual Fund - SHARE of Rotary International at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate 

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