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William Reece Obituary
Bill was born in Bristol, Tenn., on March 21, 1926. Bill was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1954, a WWII Marine Veteran, a pioneer on the Peninsula for the Boys Scouts of America, and honored with the Silver Beaver distinction. Additionally, he was active in the ham radio clubs as WA4ANY and enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for music, especially country and bluegrass. Since his youth, Bill was a cowboy at heart.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Andrew Reece Sr., Annie Mae Vestal; his first wife, Annie Ruth Bedsaul Reece; a brother, Bernie Reece; two sisters, Jessie Lawson and Ann Dunne; son, Garland Dale Reece; and grandson, Jonathan Horace.
Survivors include his wife, Carrie "CareBear" A. Reece; son, William D. Reece (Vicki) of Idaho; daughters, Ruth Ann Horace (Harry) of Florida and Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Burke of Hampton; stepchildren, Hugh B. Ryan Jr., Gaylon A. Ryan, Kathy Sweeley, Michael Ryan, Carrie Jayne Powell, John Gibbs Ryan, and Lori Ann McKay; brother, Jack Reece (Mae); and sisters, Margaret Nichols and Alice Cutchins (Bill); the family of Annie Ruth Bedsaul; a host of nieces and nephews; and many special friends, especially, Vernon and Shirley Cartwright, Virginia Rollins and Charlie Burke; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Bill and Carrie combined have 30 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at W.J. Smith Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Va., on Friday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1510 Todds Lane, Hampton, Va., on Saturday, Nov. 21, from noon until 12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Reece
Ann Shreve
November 22, 2009
Uncle Bill was a great man in all the ways that really matter in life. He was humble, loving, and giving. I know he is in heaven with my Mom (Jessie)and they are telling jokes and having a good time, just like kids again.
David Rennick
November 21, 2009
Kathy and Family, I have many fond childhood memories of Bill and your family. I was one of many who benefited from Bill's work in Scouting. It is my prayer that you might be comforted in your loss. With warm regards,
Teresa Lewis
November 20, 2009
I did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Reese however I know his daughter Kathy Burke. Mrs. Burke is a wonderful woman, an exceptional teacher and a loving friend. Her greatness is a testament to the loving father that she had. She has told many stories of Mr., Reese and my regret is that I did not get a chance to meet him before he passed away. I know that his legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kathy, I just want you to know how wonderful I think you are and how blessed I am to be able to work with you. Your father shines through in your kindness and professionalism. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
" Cricket"
November 20, 2009
Uncle Bill and Aunt Ruth both always made life more rich and loving by their presence. My childhood was greatlly improved by their warmth and generosity. I miss them and the family contact we shared but know they left their family in God's hands. My heart is saddened by this loss. With much Love, Brenda Bedsaul Epling
cindy reece
November 20, 2009
uncle bill was very sweet and kind man always making everyone smile, i know in my heart he is smiling now being with the lord and all his loved ones . rest in peace uncle bill you will be missed
Barbara & Gary Dezern
November 19, 2009
I have known PawBoy for 40 Years & the people who knew him knows he is the most Loving,Thoughtful & Caring man you could know in your life time. Their was not one thing he would not do for you or anyone & know matter what, in any given situation, he was forgiving and always their for you. I & Many, Many people will miss him terribly. He is and always will be so Special in our hearts. Many Warm Blessings to his Family
Bob Jensen
November 19, 2009
I will always remember Uncle Bill's sense of humor. He was always smiling and ready to tell a joke and make people laugh. I will miss him and will fondly hold on to memories of him.
Rick Thomasson
November 19, 2009
I was very saddened to read of the passing of Bill. I have known him for the past several years, and he was always a pleasure to be around. He loved ham radio, and was an avid operator. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family
Pamela Back
November 19, 2009
Kathy and Family...my heart goes to you and your family at this time. It has been years since we have seen each other, but you have my sincere sympathies. I pray God will keep you during this time. Reading the obituary, I did not realize that Garland had passed as well. I am truly sorry. Pam Back (NNHS '72)
November 19, 2009
I have such great memories of Bill. When we first moved to the area he quickly became one of my favorite people at Church. I will miss his beautiful smile and warm hugs. He was a true gentleman and always generous with whatever he had. What a shining example to all of us. Gary and Jackie Benoit (Newport News, VA)
Cindy Dunn
November 19, 2009
To all the Reece family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's illness and his passing. He was such a sweet person, just like all his brothers and sisters. My most vivid memories of him are at the family reunions at Newport News Park, where he worked so hard to make it the success that it was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the future. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Wayne and Cindy Dunn
(son of Ann Dunn)
Diana Smoot
November 19, 2009
To the best Uncle and brother in law ever. We will miss you so much. The world is a sadder place without you in it. Love you always, Diana Smoot and Iva Jensen
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