Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Charley Reese
1936 - 2013
Charley Reese
1936 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1936
DIED
2013
Charley Reese Obituary
Charley Reese, a retired Orlando Sentinel columnist known for his conservative voice, died Tuesday after a long illness.
Reese lived in Seminole County and had worked for the newspaper from 1972 until his retirement in 2001. He started writing his popular column in 1974.
Reese's work was remembered in a "best of" column published in the Orlando Sentinel in 2001.
38 Entries
A good Republican
December 14, 2022
I wish we could find more Charley Reeses in our world, it's so sad without him!
Hal Marston
October 31, 2016
Charlie Reese will never be forgotten. He was a gifted writer with a crisp, engaging view of the world. He made us think and laugh and wince. He spun his simple but eloquent words in a powerful loom of lucidity and candor. Rising up from his first job as a janitor, he exemplified the great American Dream producing an award-winning daily column that dreamed of an even greater America. Rest in peace, Charlie Reese. Your star will continue to sparkle in the dark void of journalism long after you are gone.
Karen Kolander
July 24, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Reese. I just learned about his insightful article today and I am inspired to be part of the change! I'm sorry his words were lost in the shuffle since he first shared these truths nearly 20 years ago. I hope the time has come <3
Jamal Khatib
June 4, 2013
My name is Jamal Khatib, I'm a psychiatrist -psycho oncologists live in Amman -Jordan.
This is the second time I feel sad regarding the late Mr. Reese , the 1st was when he stopped writing , which meant we were no longer at the privilege of enjoying his brilliant ideas , style , genuineness , honesty and transparency of a free thinker , I tried always to see if returned to writing so he was on my Google alert .
This time I'm very sorry and sad for the loss of this distinguished human being whom Ive never met , or talked to I was just one of his readers.
Since the very first time I read an article of He, I was fascinated with the agile style where he could condense great sophisticated ideas in short and simple phrases and make it easy for ordinary people like us to comprehend, let alone the "original intent” or the "545".
Unfortunately I don't have Charley's daughter contact I convey my condolences and deep respect to her late outstanding father , he may rest in peace.
Jamal
[email protected]
How you can show support
Sandra (Fish) Tavlin
May 28, 2013
I met up with Charley about 20 years ago in Orlando while there on a convention. We discussed the social issues of the day and I followed his columns as often as I could. Even though I did not always agree, I admired his knowledge and ability. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Ingrid Bryant
May 28, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to your family in this sad time. I read your column every time I saw it in the paper and appreciated not only your integrity but honesty in writing the TRUTH. I am truly saddened by this loss.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen
Ed Wagner
May 27, 2013
Charlie and I were friends thtough high school but lost contact only through occasional occasions and thriugh his column.
May 26, 2013
Charlie and I had a warm competition during our Sophomore and Junior years at PHS. I loved to debate with him and he loved to correct my syntax. He was fun and stimulating. I regret losing touch with him and all my classmates.Perhaps we will meet in the great debate club in the hereafter. Ray Pennington Montgomery
Jackie Renfroe Lord
May 26, 2013
A wonderful guy and a close friend in high school. His talent will be missed.
Sue McCoy Anderson
May 26, 2013
Charley Reese was an excellent writer and one we enjoyed reading until the day he retired. Loved that he was a PHS grad. Many blessings to his family,
May 26, 2013
Didn't always agree with him, but was proud to call him a classmate!
The Rev. Canon Michael G. Carr
Pat Born
May 25, 2013
When Charley was in the 8th grade at in Pensacola, he was the star reporter already of our little newspaper. He wrote articles explaining what was going on in the world from his reading Time magazine and the Pensacola News Journal. Years later, he worked at the Pensacola News Journal and reported real local news with a Charley twist that isn't found at many small newspapers any more.
Such a rare wise man...
Martha Horton Hual
May 25, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Charley's passing. I always enjoyed his columns. I remember Charley in his younger years as we were in the same English Class at PHS. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Nathan Pfeifer
May 25, 2013
News of Charley Reese's death is indeed sad. Mr. Reese was a fine writer. His articles, which often championed what was the best of American and the Southern culture, were concise, pragmatic, and persuasive. His voice is already terribly missed. Mr. Reese, thank you for fighting the good fight, rest in peace, and deepest sympathies to your family.
James B. Huntington
May 25, 2013
Just a reader, but an author. Never as anyone touched a pen, typewriter, or computer with whom I agreed with more on a wide scope of issues. With Royko, my favorite columnist of all time. Best to his family.
Bob Bomia
May 25, 2013
I shared 10 years of smoke brakes and lunch consersations. I remember the day we took your typewriter and the 10 pound candy bar from Hersey.
May 25, 2013
Years ago I remember stuffing envelopes for/with Charley and a couple of other friends late into the evening promoting his Sunbelt Syndicate. He was a calm level hearted soul, so easy to be around. Can never forget that slight, then a bit tilted smile, what a gentle man, a beloved man. Heaven will be abuzz! Christine Miller
Martha K. Jones
May 24, 2013
Having read all of Charley's columns, sometimes twice to make sure I hadn't missed anything, one got my attention when he mentioned going "back to his roots", surrounded by Little River, Boneville, Ga. and Happy Valley. Having grown up in Boneville myself, in that part of the country that made us almost kin. Asking around, I found out that Charley's dad was manager of the coca-cola bottling plant in Thomson and Charley had played with the brother of a good friend of mine. She said they "played hard", just as Charley "wrote hard". He has been and will be missed.
Jerry Jackson
May 23, 2013
Charley was an authentic American. He wrote what many people wanted to say. Charley was a pistol, and carried one in his younger days. Yes, he was small in stature, quiet and Southern-polite. But he was fearless in the tradition of Old Hickory, one of his heroes.
RIP Charley. And heartfelt condolences to his family.
Tom Fagan
May 23, 2013
I read him on LewRockwell.com. His worldview was an interesting stew of old-fashioned Republican conservatism, Southern populism, and libertarianism. Very skeptical of our nation's endless foreign engagements. A great columnist.
Scott Axford
May 23, 2013
Rest In Peace Mr Reese, you were the best of the best.
Edwin White
May 23, 2013
I respected Charley Reese .I read his column. I missed him. Thanks for being Charley Reese.
Lynn Antoniak
May 23, 2013
Growing up in Orlando you had to know who Charley Reese was due to his outstanding journalism/column. May God Bless Charley's family and may his memory be eternal.
Bob Evans
May 23, 2013
I knew Charley Reese only through his writing, but really admired and respected his insight and literary talent. Condolences to his Family and Friends.
John E. Evans
May 22, 2013
Behind the gruff exterior a real softie lurked. When we served on the board of the Central Florida Zoo, watching Charley get downright mushy over a newborn animal after he'd just finished the verbal roast of some politician created memories that lead to smiles even today. He was quality through and through.
Stephen Cullum
May 22, 2013
Rest in peace Charley. You are one of the few political columnist that I respected. Always logical, accurate and moral. You still inspire me years later.
Charley Reese and me for publicity shot for "I'm right, you're wrong" segment
Myriam Marquez
May 22, 2013
Charley was my pod mate at the Sentinel until he retired. He was a sweet, funny Southern gentleman and a sharp writer who told it like he saw it. His public persona of the tough-guy columnist was nothing like the soft-spoken family guy he was. He taught me a lot about human nature, and I enjoyed all the bantering at the editorial board meetings and our Channel 13 gig, "I'm right, you're wrong." He was a special man who always put his three children before anything else. My deepest condolences to his three children, Ben, Teddy and Alice. Their lives were his priority. Thanks Charley, for the wonderful memories!
Jim Bliss
May 22, 2013
Loved your columns.
Roger Pynn
May 22, 2013
As a young journalist he taught me so much ... about the news business and about life. He loved to wear a cynical facade, behind which lurked one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest guys I ever knew -- so proud of his family, so devoted to his country and so smart. He never wrote about something until he knew it inside and out. One of the finest gentlemen I've ever known.
John Frederick
May 22, 2013
I always enjoyed reading Charley's columns and learned a lot from his thoughtful insight. It will be a long time before someone inspires us the way he did. RIP, Charley.
Chartles Rahn
May 22, 2013
Charley, I certainly will miss you, your wit and humor were the best. You were a good man, a voice for us conservatives. May God rest your soul.
Ed Wall
May 22, 2013
I remember a journalist who took his work seriously and life lightly. He was tolerant of his liberal friends, and smiled a lot. Aloha, Charley.
Marianne Arneberg
May 22, 2013
Charley was the consummate gentleman and a wonderful, steadfast friend. So very sad today. Thoughts and prayers are with Alice and Charley's family, of whom he was so very proud.
Gina London
May 22, 2013
When I started at the Sentinel in 1989, he was the first syndicated columnist I ever met! I remember how he was one of the last to begrudgingly trade his typewriter for a computer. Salty - the way old journalists were supposed to be. He gets a mention in my recent book - the chapter on telling it like it is - I admired him a lot.
David Kwis
May 22, 2013
Mr. Reese will be remembered as a clear voice of logic and reason to those of us who enjoyed his columns for so many years. His views certainly enlivened many breakfast conversations in my home. God rest him and provide solace to his loved ones.
Ben Callicoat
May 22, 2013
Charley, you were one of the best of the best. I've missed your unusually frank and sharp wit since you're retirement. Although you were always a conservative, you managed to avoid the "me-too" bleating of most of the conversative op-ed writers. You were always unique.
Go with God friend, I'm praying for your soul.
May 22, 2013
I am honored to have known Charley not only as a colleague but as a friend. We shared "beer, bullets and BBQ" and editorials on crime and justice. Charley was going to walk me down the aisle to marry my cop husband if my dad become too emotional to do it. RIP, Charley. My life is better because I shared it with you. Wendy Spirduso Sarubbi
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
Make a Donation
in Charley Reese's name
How to support Charley's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Charley Reese's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more