Jack Martin Reese

On July 29, 2011, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer, Jack Martin Reese went to be with our Lord and Savior. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Campsey Reese, his parents Omega and Benjamin Reese, and two brothers, Merrell and Milton Reese. He is survived by his three daughters, Brooksie Braden, husband Jim and grandchildren Katie and Brooks of Dallas, TX; Judy Grant, husband Mike and grandchildren Zach and Nick of Dallas, TX and daughter Lee Ann Laney, husband Mark and grandchildren Ben and Sam of Amarillo, TX. Born on June 15, 1930 in Abilene, TX, Jack spent his entire life in this community, graduating from Abilene High School as well as obtaining a BBA from McMurry University. It was then that he met and married his wife of 53 years, Margie, of Munday, TX. The majority of his professional career was spent working for Paymaster/Anderson Clayton, forging lifelong friendships and relationships with various farmers and ginners throughout Texas. He was well known and respected throughout the Texas cotton industry and ultimately managed the Abilene Oil Mill and Refinery. His later career was spent working for the Archer Daniels Midland Company as a regional cotton seed buyer throughout West Texas. Jack served on the board and was president of the Texas Cottonseed Crushers Association and was a member of the National Cottonseed Products Association. He was also a member at large of Production Credit Association and was instrumental throughout the process of PCA becoming what is now known as First Ag Credit, serving as a board member of FAC. Jack will be remembered for his love of family, friends, dancing, farming and the game of golf. He was the ultimate protector of all those he loved, known as "Papa" to his six grandchildren and as a loyal and faithful friend to many. He felt a real calling to be a part of the bereavement committee of his church, First Baptist Abilene, and served faithfully there. He thoroughly enjoyed raising cattle, farming and managing his land. Jack embraced spending time with friends on the golf course and served as Regional Director of Life Begins at 40 Golf Tournament for many years. His life of 81 years was filled with incredible optimism, determination and an amazing will to live. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 31st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Reese family home. A service celebrating Jack's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1st , at First Baptist Church of Abilene. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Brewington, Don Campbell, Evan Duvall, Rufus Grisham, Jim Leonard, Glen Magehee, Bill Mikeska, Tommy Chapman, Dale Morris, Bill Quattlebaum, Fred Williams, and Bill Hollowell. Arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorial gifts may be given to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or the bereavement committee of First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604.