Charles Edward Reid-Bey

Brother Charles Reid-Bey was born on March 13, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Arrie (nee Sams) and Herman Jonathan Reid, Sr. He was the youngest of six children. He later moved to Cleveland, Ohio with his late Uncle John. He was privileged to have attended Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia. Charles, at the age of 22, had the honor to run in the Junior Olympic Games in 1950. Charles began work at an early age; one of his first jobs was at a bowling alley. He continued to work for various companies throughout his life - a few of them were Del-Monté, Two Guys and the Potato Chip Factory, where he developed his love for potato chips. Charles ultimately made a career at the Campbell Soup Company, where he worked for over 30 years. After retiring he said, "staying at home was just to easy", so he returned work for the Burlington County Times for a brief period of time. Besides family, Charles other love was jazz. He often played his saxophone and piano in jazz clubs throughout Philadelphia. In 1954, Charles was wedded to his lovely wife and friend, Miss Yvonne Wyche, where their union would continue for 60 years. Charles Reid-Bey was preceded in death by two brothers, Teddy Reid and Herman Reid; three sisters, Ruth Watkins, Jane Reid and Jossie Reid. He leaves behind: his wife, Yvonne Reid-Bey; their seven children, Gamal (Sheila), Matheno, Rose, Faith (Lawrence), Sekou (Reneé), Charles and Irene Reid-Bey; thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Gloria Williams and Gertrude Wyche; two brothers, Clinton Reid and Rudolph Reid; one sister, Victoria (Imani) Reid; an aunt, Addie Smith; as well as, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.