Charles H. Reid Jr.

Charles, or Chuck, as he was called, was born in Monroe, Louisiana, but was really from an old family in Houston, Texas, which he aways considered home. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa Morrett Reid, and his five children, ten grandchildren, and four great grandsons. All Chuck's children were born to his first wife, Sue Shively Reid, who predeceased him. Susan Smith Reid ( Phillip), Terri Reid Benitoa Alford ( Mike), Chip Bender ( Heidi), James Kevin, and Mark Winston ( Cara). All five live in Texas; Terri, Mark and Jim in Houston, Susan in College Station and Chip in Southlake near Ft. Worth.

Chuck earned a mechanical engineering degree from Rice University, but his greatest talent was in sales. He started his own manufacturer's representative company, Reid Engineering in the 60's, which he sold in 1982. He then moved to California where, while living in Santa Barbara he met Lisa Morrett. They married in April 1984. Chuck and Lisa moved around California over the years but notably spent 14 years in Ojai and most recently, 11 in Napa Valley.

Since 1999 they split their time between California and Houston to spend more time with family. Professionally he enjoyed saying that starting in California he changed his business endeavors to "monkey business' and in 1991 Chuck and Lisa bought land to plant a vineyard in Paso Robles. They put in 44 acres and owned that vineyard for 16 years before selling it two years after moving to the Napa Valley and a smaller 5 acre vineyard of premium Cabernet Sauvignon in 2004.

After 24 years as growers they were in the midst of retiring when Chuck passed away. Additional businesses prior to the vineyards were owning a real estate company in Santa Barbara, buying and selling special BMW's and vintage race cars. He also raced actively and was known for his Short Wheelbase Berlinetta Ferraris, and was very well respected as a good competitive driver at vintage car events. They ran the famous Mille Miglia rally in Italy twice.

Chuck lived well, worked hard and was beloved by all. He loved latin music, lots of color, daily taking joy rides and his drug of choice was coffee ice cream. He was highly regarded for his business acumen, was a true friend and mentor, and a generous family man. Services are to be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 10:00 am at St. Michaels Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston. In lieu of flowers donations may be the Maryknoll Fathers & Bros P.O. Box 304, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0304.