Sammy Reese

1937 - 2016

Sammy Reese

Hendersonville - Sammy Reese, 78 of Hendersonville, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother died on Friday, February 26, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was born on May 5, 1937 in Madison County. His childhood in the small town of Mars Hill, developed in him a respect for people and a deep commitment to the community, his nation and God. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Toni Reese; and his brother, Robert Reese.

Sam Reese was a cornerstone of early East Henderson High School history. He began his career in education in 1961 as a teacher and coach. He was the first head coach of varsity football (1961-1968) and started the wrestling team in 1966. He also coached varsity basketball, track and JV basketball.

Sam moved into administration as assistant principle/counselor, and ultimately, in 1969, he succeeded E.L. Justice as principal at East Henderson High School. He concluded his career serving 22 years from 1971-1993 as Assistant Superintendent under Superintendent Glenn Marlow in Henderson County School System.

Sam Reese has served in the community as a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he was a faithful, lifelong member. He was a member of the Rotary Club for over 40 years. He was on the Henderson County Board of Education, Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees (1976-1991), Historic Johnson Farm volunteer, a member and past president of the Henderson County Retired School Personnel and volunteered at the Medical Loan Closet.

He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Vadasz and her husband, George of Anthem, AZ, Robin Ertzberger and her husband, Tim of Hendersonville; his cherished granddaughter, Lauren Hodges and her husband, Brian of Rocky Mount, VA; and his sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Richard Pfeiffer of Mars Hill, NC. He is also survived by several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals who were so caring to both Sam and his family during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Henderson County Education Foundation (http://hcefnc.org), PO Box 1267 Hendersonville, NC 28793 or Historic Johnson Farm (Farm Animal Fund), 3346 Haywood Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28791 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

"Let us remember: One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world." Malala Yousafzai.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.