Richard Reese

Dr. Reese, 84, of Boiling Springs, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2010. Born to the late Asa and Kate Reese on December 22nd, 1925 in Reese, NC, he was the fourth of 10 children. He graduated form Bethel High School in 1943. Dr. Reese worked at Oak Ridge, Tennessee and The Ford Motor Company before joining the Army. He served in Germany as a demolition expert. Following his service, he attended Appalachian State University before settling at North Carolina State University, where he received a B. S. in animal science in 1956. While at NC State, he met Annie Lucille (Lou) Robertson, marrying her on January 27, 1955. The couple moved to Oklahoma, where Dr. Reese completed his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1959, at Oklahoma State University. While there, their family grew with the birth of a daughter, Darlene, in 1956. Dr. Reese and his family returned to the east coast to practice veterinary medicine in Spartanburg, SC. After joining the federal government, the family moved to Aberdeen, NC. There their family increased with the birth of daughters Sherrie in 1961 and Ellen in 1963. The family was fortunate to have also lived in Orono, ME, Cary, NC and Wetumpka, AL. Dr. Reese worked with the federal governmemt for 33 years, retiring as the veterinarian in charge of the state of South Carolina in 1989. After moving to Boiling Springs, NC, he practiced veterinary medicine for 17 years at the Boiling Springs Animal Clinic until his retirement. Despite retirement, he continued to work local horse shows and administer to family pets. Dr. Reese was an active member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, and for 20 years, taught Sunday School. During all his years in Boiling Springs, his faith and his beloved church community nourished, sustained, and brought joy to his life. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Lou of the home daughters Darlene Bailey of Shelby, Sherrie Reese of Pelham, Al., and Ellen Branson and husband Robert of Charleston, SC. Grandchildren Kathryn Bailey Runy and husband Michael of Durham, NC, Scott Bailey of Charlottesville, VA, and Ansley Branson of Charleston, SC. brothers Norman Reese of Conover, NC, and Clint Reese of Fuquay-Varina, NC, sisters Kathleen Reese of Vilas, NC, Gladys Shoun of Sylvania, OH, Betty Shoun of Vilas, NC, and Dorcas Hodges of Vilas, NC; sisters-in-law Jodie Dugger of Burnsville, NC, Maude Reese of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Brenda Reese of Banner Elk, NC, and Barbara Reese of Ringgold, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his family, he leaves many treasured friends, for whom he was deeply grateful. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Carroll Page pastor of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to either Boiling Springs Baptist Church, P. O. Box 917, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 or American Heart Association, Cleveland County chapter.