Charles Jeffrey Ream
Obituary
Charles Jeffrey Ream passed away on February 19, 2019 at the age of 53 after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was born November 10, 1965 in Fremont, Ohio. He was the firstborn to Charles and Vickie Ream. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1970, and Jeff graduated from Okay High School in 1984. His affinity for math and science led to his passion for computers, and in 1998, he earned his associate's degree in computer science from Tulsa Community College.
In 1991, he began working for QuikTrip Corporation, where he went from "night man behind the counter" to computer programmer, then onto project management. Also at QuikTrip, he put his passion for volunteerism into chairing it's volunteer committee, working with Emergency Infant Services, HallowZOOeen, Kerr Elementary School, and Reading Partners. Upon his retirement, fellow QT employees created a poster of words to best describe their coworker and friend: Caring, Kind, Selfless, Positive, Helpful and Strong were at its centerpiece.
Jeff met his beloved spouse, Tim Smith on Valentine's Day at the Equality Center in 2009, and the following November, they celebrated a wedding on a Cape Cod beach in Massachusetts, one of the five states then allowing same-sex marriage. Together, Jeff and Tim loved the arts, travel, and time with family. They were season ticket holders with Theatre Tulsa and Celebrity Attraction's Broadway series. Their trips took them to Europe, Canada, throughout the United States, and to many family gatherings in Arkansas and Oklahoma. When they joined College Hill Presbyterian Church in 2010, Jeff was soon installed as an elder, and he chaired the Building and Grounds committee for 3 years.
His spirit of generosity was better known as "Jeff will never say NO". He would also say, "I hope people will remember that you could always count on me. I have been so blessed in this life, even though it may be shorter than most, I cannot go away without giving some back." A strong work ethic was shaped alongside his dad, building the family's house. Jeff continued to enjoy woodworking, woodcarving, making stained glass, and gardening.
Survivors include: spouse, Timothy Smith of the home; father, Charles T. Ream (Joan) of Broken Arrow; mother, Vickie Sanders (Art) of Muskogee; father-in-law, Jerry Smith (Laura) of Broken Arrow; and mother-in-law, Sharon Brown (Troy) of Bella Vista, AR. Also, sisters Julie Knox (Willie) of Broken Arrow, Diane Beach (Kelly) and Cheryl Purdin of Muskogee; brothers, Pearl Sanders (Lea) and Billy Sanders (Karen) of Muskogee, Doug Remington (Sheri) of Owasso and Darrell Remington of Tulsa; sisters-in-law, Andrea Bruce (Shane) of Cushing and Stacye Stewart (Dustin) of Farmington, AR; brothers-in-law, Stephen Smith of Bella Vista, AR, Bill Layne (Erin) of Broken Arrow and Clay Layne (Vava) of Centerton, AR. Jeff also has 28 nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends whom he loved deeply.
Friends may contribute in Jeff's memory to College Hill Presbyterian Church, 712 S. Columbia Ave., Tulsa, OK 74126.
The family will receive friends 5-7:00 p.m. Friday at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Jeff's life will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2019 at College Hill Presbyterian Church and buried in the New Sonora Cemetery near Henryetta, OK.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I want to offer my condolences to Jeff's family. Pray to God for comfort. He will help because God cares for you. 1Peter 5:6,7 and 2Corinthians 1:3,4
Ruby
Tim and family please know our thoughts and prayers are with all. Such a great loss and will be missed terribly.
Ronn Doby
Tim, Julie, Uncle Chuck, Aunt Vicki...My heart is both broken and lifted. My tears are both pain and joy. He is home now and wishing we would stop making such a fuss. I could not have had a more incredible human as my FIRST first cousin. I will always be grateful that Jeff and I reconnected. Love and hugs to everyone.
Joe Capucini
My heart hurts knowing I will no longer hear Jeff's laughter or see his smile. I came to know and love Jeff while working at QT as a consultant. During this time I loved being in Oklahoma because it was such a great experience with wonderful people - but Jeff was my person there and Tina's along with the ladies in the payroll department. We quickly became part of the family there and a big part of that was due to Jeff and how he took care of us. He will always be remembered by me as taking care of others and making sure you were okay. His smile if you were down was just infectious so you would stay blue for long. He could always make you smile. I will miss that smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends
Bonnie Murphy
I remember Jeff from Okay First Baptist as a youth. He would go to movies together with my sister and me. He would come to the farm and we would ride my three wheeler all day long. I was truly blessed to know Jeff. My prayers for the family as I know their hearts are so heavy.
Earl Cobb
Jeff was my favorite uncle. Wish I had known about things before this and was able to visit more often. He shall forever be remembered as a great influence on why I will love life and those around, no matter how others may treat me.
Christophor Knox
I never met Jeff, but knew and loved him through my daughter Tina and grand daughter Katy and our friend Bonnie, who spoke glowingly of him for several years. My heart truly hurt when I heard of his passing. Some people touch our lives in profound ways. I believe Jeff touched Tina and Katy and Bonnie that way. I was sorry he didn't get to make that trip to Georgia in 2018 to visit us. God bless his family.
Liz Wagoner
Tim, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Terri Roberson
Jeff - I will always remember and cherish your smile and kindness. Thank you for constantly showing love in your life and to your husband Tim Smith. I am comforted to know you are free from pain and walking with Jesus. With Love - Brittany Layne
Brittany Layne