Charles Reed Oliver

Charles Reed Oliver of Lebanon, TN passed away peacefully with family at his bedside on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the age of 79 after several months of health challenges. He was born in Lebanon, TN at McFarland Hospital to the late Alvin Bee and Mary Oliver.

Reed worked several jobs over his lifetime, including construction, law enforcement, driving a cement truck, driving a tour bus, and security for John A. Gupton College. He loved to talk about his work experiences, especially getting to drive entertainers all over the country. He served in the Army National Guard and trained at Fort Knox. He served in law enforcement with the Lebanon Police Department for 22 years.

Charles went by Reed or Mr. Reed and to some Uncle Reed. He wore many hats throughout his life. None he wore more proudly than his service hats in the Army National Guard and the Lebanon Police Department.

Reed had a great memory and kept track of classmates and longtime members of the community. He kept his Lebanon High School annual handy so that he could look up people he recognized or update his book with vital information.

Reed is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Henry Oliver and sister-in-law Eleanor Oliver. He is survived by two daughters, Christie (Shannon) Graves, and Jennifer Oliver, two grandchildren Zachary (Alexandria) Skinner, and Ashley Skinner, brother Alvin Oliver, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Reed found his favorite place earth, living on the farm off Trice Road. He loved his friends there who looked out for him – and gave him space to be Reed. The family is eternally grateful for their love and support especially through the most difficult years.

The family wishes to express our deep appreciation for friends at Frankie’s and Snow White who cared for Reed and made sure he was ok for several years. Many friends throughout Lebanon looked out for Reed over the years including Dr. Roger McKinney and the staff at Family Medical Associates. Thank you for loving him through several challenging years.

A Celebration of Life will be held  Sunday, January  15, 2023. The family will receive visitors at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church from  1 PM to 3 PM  with the Memorial Service to begin at  3 PM with Rev. Steve Delashmit and Rev. Lisa Oliver officiating. The church is located at 7845 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to SALT FOODBOX MINISTRY in Reed’s memory. Donations may be given to New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church or made online at: https://www.salt-ministry.org/donate , or may be sent in care of Leeville United Methodist Church 7019 Hickory Ridge Road, Lebanon, TN  37090. SALT is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Reed  could not help people like he wanted to in his later years. It would make him very proud to know that your love is being directed to help others.

Arrangements by Lumen Cremation, 7978 Coley Davis Road, Suite 101, Nashville, Tennessee, 37221