Michael Carter Reed

Carter was preceded in death by his loving daddy, William Michael Reed of Mountain Brook, AL.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Janet Marie Reed of Montgomery, AL; son, William Michael Reed of Florence, AL; daughters, Emily Gaskell Reed, Julia Elizabeth Reed, Madelyn Carter Reed and Abigail Holt Reed of Hayden, AL; step-daughters, Anna Sophia Gibson and Abby Grace Gibson of Montgomery, AL; mother, Genar Carter Reed; mother of his children, Lindsey Reed Curl of Hayden, AL; as well as many cousins and friends. As he entered Heaven, Carter was surrounded by his loving family and close friends, Terry Bagwell, Heather Fitch, and Scott Mauldin.

Carter was reared in Mountain Brook, Alabama by William Michael and Genar Carter Reed. He attended Mountain Brook High School, where he was a member of the marching band, jazz band and show choir. At the age of eight, we knew the Lord had given him the gift of music when, by ear, he picked out "Chariots of Fire” on the piano at the mall. He also loved sports and was captain of the Mountain Brook Tennis Team. After graduation, Carter attended Auburn University, Belhaven College, and the University of Memphis. While in Memphis, Carter directed chorale and instrumental music under the tutelage of James Brown at Independent Presbyterian Church. One of his most cherished memories was traveling to England with Mr. Brown and his church choir to sing in a combined choir under the direction of Sir David Willcocks. He was then called to become The Director of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. During his time there, he also led the adult choir and members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in the Annual Service of Lessons and Carols. In both Memphis and Montgomery, Carter led many summers of youth choir tours across the United States, Canada, England, and Scotland. He assisted in recording several CDs of youth choir concerts and programs like Hymns Triumphant, numerous Christmas services and other events.

After years of serving the church through his gift of music, Carter became a very astute financial advisor and eventually started a brokerage company with friend and business partner, Terry Bagwell. In his financial career he won many awards such as Rookie of the Year and Top Seller. Even with this new direction, Carter never lost his love for music and instead continued working in both fields. He continued to sing with the Montgomery Chorale, and even served as Interim Director, during which time he directed one of his most cherished works, Brahms Requiem. During his time with the Chorale, he performed in Bach’s B Minor Mass, sang in a quartet with his wife Janet in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and performed Handel’s Messiah more times than anyone could ever count from the time he was a child to his many years in Montgomery. He was the Interim Director of Music at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and also sang in the choir with his wife at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Carter had an unmistakable, rich, robust bass voice that was always a welcome addition to any choir. Those who sang under his direction were familiar with his ability to sing every part, admired his attention to detail, and found him captivating and a joy to follow as a director. Those who sung alongside him can attest to the strength, glory, and stability he added to any choir.

Carter had a heart for people and helping others. He honored his mother and taught his children to always do the same. He delighted in teaching his children anything he could from life lessons to how to cook. He was a kind and generous man who loved to bless others. He donated to a number of charities such as local missions, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, local churches and schools. One of the nearest and dearest to his heart was his annual donation to WCPE Classical Station in North Carolina that he donated in loving memory of his father. His wife, Janet, will continue this donation in honor of him.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 14 in The Chapel at Briarwood Presbyterian Church at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, Janet Reed is asking that donations be made to the Carter Reed Foundation or Carter Reed’s Go Fund Me page to help the Reed family with medical bills and debts incurred during Carter’s illness, so that they may continue to donate to the WCPE radio station in his remembrance to honor his last wishes. Please ask Janet, Carter’s wife for further details.