Jesse Reece

JESSE LEE REECE 

 "In the hearts who loved you, you will always be there."

 Jesse Lee Reece, 91, of Abilene, TX passed away on November 14, 2024.

 Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Hamil Family Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Hamil Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Cliff Stewart of First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene, TX, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

 Jesse was born to Jesse John Reece and Virginia Bae Miller in Tolar, TX on August 18, 1933. Jesse attended school in Barstow, TX, where he was the valedictorian of the 1951 graduating class. After high school, Jesse attended Sul Ross College for a year and then Abilene Christian University, graduating in 1957. 

 Jesse married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Katherine "Kitty" Hayes, the love of his life, on April 11, 1952, in Barstow, TX. Jesse and Kitty lived life well and enjoyed, in particular, square dancing, with Jesse even serving as a caller. The couple spent most of their lives in Abilene, TX, where they raised three children: Andy, Greg, and Julie. Jesse was a wonderful and caring father who, alongside Kitty, provided for his family's every need. Jesse and Kitty loved family above all else. They took every opportunity to host family gatherings, including birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and weekly Sunday dinners for their children and grandchildren. Food and love were plentiful during these occasions, especially Jesse's favorite treat: Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. Jesse and Kitty celebrated 60 years of marriage before Kitty's passing in 2012. 

 Jesse was an active and dedicated member of the Abilene community. He worked as an accountant for different companies before joining Davis Kinard, where he worked for 47 years. He was a long-time member of First Central Presbyterian Church. Jesse was also involved with various community groups, serving in various groups and positions, such as President of the PTA, the Exchange Club, and the Chamber of Commerce Red Coats. Jesse served his country in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in the Washington, D.C. area. During his time there, he often rode his bike on Sunday mornings to Mt. Vernon for some rest and relaxation.

 Jesse worked hard and played hard. His favorite hobby was golf, which he played as often as possible, sometimes three or four times a week!  He also worked for many years officiating  basketball  games in the Big Country region.  Over the last decade, Jesse volunteered at Rose Park Senior Center and was a regular there. He spent as much time as he could shooting pool, singing Karaoke, and calling Bingo with his friends at the Center. Jesse met Carol Goldsmith at the Center, and the two were married in 2013. They celebrated ten years of marriage last year. Jesse and Carol especially loved dancing at the Center weekly for many years. 

 Jesse was preceded in death by parents Jesse John Reece and Virginia Bae Miller, stepfather Marion Acie Allen, brother Oscar E. Reece, and wife Kitty Reece.

 Left to cherish Jesse's memory is wife Carol Goldsmith, son Andy Reece and wife Teri, son Greg Reece and wife Tammie, daughter Julie Sartor and husband David.

 Jesse's memory also lives on in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

 Grandchildren: Whitney Welch and husband Clay, Brynn Klibert and husband Mark, Makenzie Waters and husband Justin, Susana Sarvis and husband Kevin, Chessie Lockhart and husband Kurt, Brett Reece and wife Beth, and Zachary Reece Sartor. 

 Great-grandchildren: Sullivan, Sawyer, Gunner, Reece, Lincoln, Griffin, Elaina, and Cooper.

 Pallbearers will be Steve Davis, Brad Bircham, Ron Adkins, Eddie White, Brett Reece, and Zachary Sartor

 The family asks that memorials made in Jesse's honor go to Rose Park Senior Center.

 Jesse's family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the Wisteria Assisted Living staff for all their kindness and care.