Johnnie Edward Reece

Mr. Johnnie Edward Reece, 81, of Burke County passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Frye Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. Johnnie was born on April 12, 1940 in Burke County to the late Grady Ellis Reece and Bertie Berry Reece. Johnnie was a graduate of Hildebran High School in 1959 and joined the U.S. Air Force immediately after. He served for four years, and was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class. He was stationed for the majority of his time in England which he loved. Following his service he received a certificate in auto mechanics from CVCC, and also attended WPCC for degrees in accounting and computers. Johnnie worked for Burlington Factory in Rhodhiss and eventually retired from General Electric. He loved cutting wood, gardening, playing basketball and baseball. Johnnie was a longtime member of Warlick's Baptist Church, and was a great man of faith who loved the Lord. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Agnes Lowman and Linda R. Lowman, and three brothers, Samuel, Jimmy and Lloyd Reece. Survivors include his beloved wife, Bobbie Reece, whom he was devoted to for 34 years, two children, Darla R. Allport and husband Dr. Simon Allport of Hickory, and Charles Ellis Reece and wife Lisa of Morganton, step daughter, Sharon H. Chapman and husband Donnie of Mocksville, and step son, David Hull and wife Kim of Connelly Springs. Also surviving are his grandchildren; Nathaniel Reece, Abigail Nicole Reece of Roselle, NJ, and Jozland Reece of Hickory, step grandchildren; Dustin and Rachel Hull of Icard, Drew and Courtney Hull of Connelly Springs, Ethan and Erin Hull of Raleigh, Joel and Elizabeth Chapman of Ladson, SC, Matthew Chapman of Cary, Caroline, William and Elizabeth Allport all of Hickory, and seven step great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at Warlick's Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Chapman officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force. The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at Warlick's Baptist Church. The family does request all visitors follow the Covid-19 mask and social distancing guidelines. Memorials may be sent to the East Burke Christian Ministries, 103 3rd Ave. SE, Hildebran, NC 28637.