Carl T. Reed

Carl T. Reed was born on September 4, 1931, to parents William Reed and Ellen Hunt Reed. He was the youngest of four; Robert, Clara, and George, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Boles, Arkansas and attended Boles School. He joined the Air Force at 16 years of age, a significant culture shock he wasn't quite prepared for. His brother George encouraged him to stick it out, but he decided to opt out. He joined his brother Robert in Tulsa, painting houses for about a year before deciding maybe he had been hasty. (He generally always had to learn things the hard way). He rejoined the Air Force, where he made his first career- the source of many great adventures and stories, as well as many lifelong friends.
Carl was in the first class of dental technician training at the U.S. Naval Dental Technicians School in Great Lakes, Illinois. He graduated from this accelerated course on October 25, 1950. He was stationed in Japan for a time, and met Ayako Takagi, learning "gua ai ni", and "chotto matte", which most of those who know him have heard him say at one time or another. He had hoped for two years in Japan, but he was transferred to Korea to aid in the effort.
He traveled the world, charming those around him. He worked in Milwaukee for a time after the war, enjoying a few "soda pops" (beer) along the way, where he met and married Jacqueline Raymer in 1953. It was a short romance and she, as the story goes, decided she "just didn't want to be married anymore". They parted amicably in 1957, and remained friends after their divorce. He met and married Marieta "Rita" Smith, while still in the military, around 1960. Her nephew Charles speaks highly of the time he was able to spend with them when he was a child, with much laughter. This marriage ended in tragedy, when Rita was killed in a home invasion in 1972. Carl persevered and pressed forward, with the support and encouragement of his friends.
Carl completed 20 years in the Air Force and retired as M SGT in October 1968. He started his second career at Sherwood Medical as a dental-veterinary representative, working in sales. This job suited him well, allowing him to travel and meet people. Carl remarried in 1977, to Carol McAfee Uhl. She brought two daughters who Carl adopted, Nugget and Cache, who he cherished. The family returned to his roots in Boles, Arkansas, building a life on the ranch. He and Carol parted ways after 14 years and he continued his work in sales until 1994, when he retired for the second time. He continued to support and encourage his daughters, building amazing memories. Carl saw the birth and evolution of 5 grandchildren by Nugget and Alan Moses; Mariah Rayne, Alexander Sebastian, Callista Aeryn, Nicholas Alan, and Temperance Aline. He was a proud "Pa".
Carl reunited with his childhood sweetheart Betty Jo Payne after retirement. They were an amazing couple, with myriad capers, supporting each other in every way until her death in 2012. Her daughter Cindy, close with Carl, continues as family. He leaves behind a multitude of nephews and nieces, family and friends.
He often voiced his gratitude about those who helped him throughout his career. "I never would have made it without their help." He made light of the energy, joy and revelry he brought to others, which attracted those people, and the assistance shared in kind. It is difficult to summarize the life of a man who brought so much to so many. He will be missed.
There will be a viewing at Martin Funeral & Cremation in Waldron, Arkansas on January 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life held at the home of Carl Reed. Services will be held on January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Boles Freewill Baptist church, followed by internment in the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas at 1300. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to waspmuseum.org/donate to support the National Wasp WWII Museum, which Carl was passionate about.
Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Waldron.