Charlton Reed Longgrear, 17, lost his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma on Sunday, March 27. Reed had been receiving treatment for his cancer at the University of Alabama Pediatric Cancer Clinic since 2007. He passed away at the home of his father in Moody, Alabama. At the time of his death, his loving family surrounded him, including his mother, father and two sisters. He wanted to be a chef. His lifelong dream was to be a chef at a leading restaurant. His specialty was seafood, although he was a gifted cook with many dishes. When he was too small to reach the stove top, he stood on a stool so he could make Cajun style blackened Redfish. He attended culinary arts camp and had been the guest chef for a day at upscale seafood restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama. His cooking was featured on television news programs in Birmingham. His recipe for spicy pan-fried tilapia with mango sauce won a prize in a cookbook for cancer patients. Reed was of Scottish descent on both sides of his family. He held a lifetime membership in Clan Skene, one of the oldest of the Highland Clans. He loved wearing a kilt and going to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Once when he was very small he stated, “When I wear the kilt, I feel like a manly man.†Reed attended Unaka and Harold McCormick Elementary Schools. He was a student at T.A. Dugger in Elizabethton. Following his diagnosis with cancer, he went to stay with his father in Alabama so he could be treated at the UAB Medical Center.
His mother, Mary Beth Stanley, and his sister, Shelby Longgrear, of Elizabethton, survive Reed. His father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. W. Huntley Longgrear and younger sister, Samantha Longgrear of Moody, Alabama, also survive him. Reed is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Charlton Stanley of Elizabethton. Additionally, he is survived by a number of aunts and uncles, including Brandi Stanley of Elizabethton, Dr. and Mrs. Mark Stanley of Mississippi, his paternal grandmother Denise Longgrear and numerous other relatives.
A memorial service for him was held in Moody, Alabama. His remains will be returned to Elizabethton for interment at Happy Valley Memorial Park. There will be a graveside service at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5. Reed was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Elizabethton. Fr. Harry Shaefer of St. Thomas Episcopal Church will officiate at the service. Bagpiper Jon Shell will provide music. Flowers may be sent to 2400 State Line Road, Elizabethton. Condolences by mail may be sent to P.O. Box 1646, Elizabethton, TN 37644.
