Nov
24
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Balsam Baptist Church
105 Heavenly Drive, Sylva, NC 28779
Send FlowersNov
24
Services provided by
Appalachian Funeral Services & Crematorium - SylvaOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.
Gene Roger Reece, 85, of Balsam, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. He was born on December 14, 1939 in Balsam to the late Elbert and Bonnie Barnes Reece.
Gene was a faithful member of Balsam Baptist Church. He retired from Lea Industries Furniture Company.
In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his wife of twenty-eight years, Joyce Locust Reece; a son, Roger Reece; a daughter, Emma Jean Reece; nine brothers and three sisters.
Gene is survived by his daughter; Elaine Lambert (Eric); granddaughter, Meli Fisher (Damien) of Balsam; grandson, Aaron Reece (Cristen) of Waynesville; great grandchildren, Dallas, Harley, Kiefer and Kaysleigh, Several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Balsam Baptist Church with the Rev. Greg Cullen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 at the church, prior to the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
165 Skyland Dr, Sylva, NC 28779
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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24
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Balsam Baptist Church
105 Heavenly Drive, Sylva, NC 28779
Send FlowersNov
24
Services provided by
Appalachian Funeral Services & Crematorium - SylvaOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.