Frank Reuss Sr.

I knew Mr. Reuss from the 1980's when he was my father-in-law. I just today found out about his passing. I never knew him as "Santa" but I do remember he and I would play golf occasionally. It's strange to remember something from so long ago. May he rest in heaven knowing so many loved and cared about him.

I know it's been a while and now I think I can put my thoughts together. I was working a job, construction (Wal-Mart Distribution) in Williamsburg,VA about this time of the year in 2000. I saw a car pull through the entrance and a man got out, his white hair and beard glistened in the sun as he walked to the door. There was a twinkle in his eye as he said, "I'm Frank Reuss my son, Jerry is one of the superintendents here and we're going to lunch. That was the first time I met Frank Reuss (Santa) but I got to know him as the months went by. The first Christmas we went to Frank's (Santa's) home, I was truly surprised as I walked through the door, it was like walking into Santa's home (or what as a child I had envisioned) Santa's home would be like. The Christmas Tree that went from the floor to almost the ceiling, brightly wrapped presents, The Christmas Village, and a host of animated Christmas decorations, it was everwhere. Frank (Santa) walked into the livingroom, big smile on his face, pulling at the suspenders of his Santa pants. He was getting ready to go be Santa at somebody's home. Through the years of knowing Frank (Santa) any time we went anywhere Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or just shopping, there was always the children smiling and peeking. You could overhear them saying Mom "Is that Santa"? Some of them would get up the courage to come over and talk to Santa, he always had time for them. Frank (Santa) always had a joke or a Hello Darling for the adults and a be good, listen to your Moma for the children. Being Santa was a life style for Frank, not just a job. He was Santa 365 days of the year.
It is said that any time you meet someone even for a second that they have become apart of your life. I thank God that Frank became apart of my life and for the time I had to get to know and love him. I knew Frank (Santa) for 91/2 short years and he gave me memorys to last a life time.
Alvora- I know you wanted more time.
Shirley- You were a wonderful grand daughter.
Jerry- I believe you were that twinkle in your Dad's eyes,He was so proud of you and loved you so much.
I will miss Frank always.
His loving daughter-in-law
Joyce Reuss

i wish to thank each and everyone for sharing there memories with me.i knew how everyone saw him as santa everyday not just christmas time.he was santa everyday.it gave a nice feeling to see young and old react to him.thanks again each and everyone and my god bless you mrs. claus

THIS IS TO THE #1 DAD AND I NO THIS BECAUSE HE WAS MY DAD AND I SURE WILL MISS HIM. EVERY ONE NOES HE WAS #1 SANTA TO AND I WILL MISS SANTA TO. I NO YOU WENT HOME TO GOD BECAUSE YOU TOLD ME SO AT THE HOSPITAL IAM PROUD OF YOU FOR THE MAN YOU WAS. REST IN PEICE''''' I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU YOUR SON JERRY PS SAY HI TO MOM

I remember the Frank Reuss of 40 years ago. I remember him very well.

I started visiting Santa before I even had kids. I would stand in line with my young nephew and his mom for hours just to see the "real" Santa. Joyfully, when my girls were born, they grew up visiting the same Santa every year. He was so wonderful with them and had an answer for every question or request. Last year we took my first grandchild and my two girls joined us. I'm so grateful we were able to get that picture and will cherish it forever. His spirit will live on

SANTA,UNCLE,CLOSEST FRIEND. I WILL MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY.YOU MADE EVERYONE BELIEVE IN SANTA.YOU WERE A GREAT PERSON.EVERYONE THAT KNEW YOU HAD TO LOVE YOU.I THANK GOD FOR LETTING YOU BE IN MY LIFE. LOVE YOU. KITTY

Santa must have visited out home for at least 20 years on Christmas Eve. Family and friends would all gather and Joe 54(our special needs son) would get so excited while waiting and it was contagious so by the time Santa arrived we would all be ready to sit on his lap and tell him our wishes. Our memories and the many pictures will always be with us. We know where Santa is now and one day we will all be able to sit on his lap once more.

dear everyone. my palpal was the greatest person you will ever meet..he made every one smile laugh an fpr the 1st time in his life cry! i remember all the laughs an smiles he gave me..he brought joy to many children they set apon his lap an told him there deepest most darkest secret's an there wish's if you were here today my christmas wish would be for you to be able to spend the christmas with me..im sorry i wasnt there to say good bye..but papal i love you sooo much an ill never forget you! i love you papal forever an a day:)!

your grand daughter:ieasha!

I don't think Frank realized how many lives he touched and how much joy he brought to people. My children and I will cherish our memories of Santa visiting us on Christmas Eve every year and even letting the adults sit on his lap while wispering their wishes. He was a wonderful man. The Underwoods ( Round Hill, VA.)

I GOT THE HONOR TO BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH MY PAPAL FOR MANY YEARS JUST ABOUT ALL MY LIFE AND I THANK GOD SO MUCH FOR SENDING HIM TO ME BECAUSE WITH OUT HIM I WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST THANK YOU PAPAL FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME IN MY LIFE I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. LOVE ALWAYS YOUR GRANDDAUTER,SHIRLEY FLORES

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Reuss Family. I did not know Mr. Reuss but have known Jerry for several years and I know he was a great man because he raised a great son. God Bless You All.

I only knew Mr. Reuss through talking with Jerry, but from reading the words of the others that have posted, he was, and forever will be, a great man! He has brought the joy of Christmas to the hearts of so many children and has left memories that will last forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every family member at this time. May you rest in piece Mr. Frank Reuss, you will never be forgotten.

I will forever cherish the memories of you coming to the King house with Mrs Claus and taking family pictures every Christmas Eve. I will always believe in you....

Judy & Joey, Chester, Va

Santa, you were loved by so many, and will be missed dearly. Rest in Piece.

Michelle, Destiny, and Tim Ferguson

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY ALWAYS. WE WILL MISS SANTA. LOVE AND PRAYERS FROM GLENDA AND HOOTER

We will miss you, but Santa will always live on in our memories.

My prayers are with the family...rest in peace Uncle Frank(Santa)
Love your great neice Lory, husband Phillip, great great neice Anna and great great nephew Phillip, Jr.

For those of us who truly believe you will live in our hearts forever as precious memories will never fade. Blessed are those who knew you.

God Speed Santa.

Uncle Frank you are loved by so many and will be missed by so many you were the greatest your memories will live on in us all Thank you for all of my great memories I have We Love you
Love Always Leanne Danny Michelle Haley Jordan Maddy and Brody Breeden,Reuss

i SENT A NOTE to several friends at work with "Santa's" obituary. Here is one reply:

Lord Linda, when I was coming in yesterday, Bob said that ‘Santa’ had died; and I really thought that he was joking,
I really liked Mr. Frank Reuss/aka/Santa-Claus, he brought a lot of joy to so many, especially the little ones, thanks………he’ll be missed.
W.V.

I'm wondering if He was the Santa at Cloverleaf when my daughter was sitting on his lap at 12 and VERY UPSET about her dying dog - and said all she wanted for Xmas was for "Teddy" to get better. Santa listened and was so loving to her and said "You just come back and finish talking to me when you feel better" and later let her back to the front of the line. It was just too sweet. Linda

Our family has precious memories of visiting Santa. You will live on in our hearts.

I will miss Frank's friendly personality. He will always be Santa Clause to me , May the Lord bless you and strengthen you as you remember the good times and the precious moments you shared together. God bless you and your family.
Rev. Bob Gustavson

I cried when I saw the obituary. Then, I sent a link to my grown children who live in other states. The memories of going to see the real Santa live on.

Lawrence and Sandra, Clint and I are so sorry to read this in the paper. He really looks like Santa and probably lived a long, fruitful life. Please be assured we are praying for you. Love, Nancy Blalock

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

You will be missed Santa. Thank you for all the great memories.

He brought so much joy to our family. Pictures of our children are displayed every Christmas with the Real Santa. He will always be remembered with such delight and love. He was a treasure.

Some of my earliest memories are of excitedly (and nervously) visiting the REAL Santa. Thank you for bringing so much happiness into the world.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Uncle Frank,
I have so many great memories of you. You were such a great uncle. I loved you playing Santa and remembered arguing with kids that my uncle was Santa. I remember pulling the red hair out of your beard so it was all white. I miss you so much and love you...Please help us get through your loss....Good Bye Uncle Frank

Love,

Liz, Jeff, Katilyn, Brady Reuss-Dennis

We will miss you. We love you.

Pam and Scott Hamilton