Joe S Reese, Jr .
Published 9:39 am Thursday, January 31, 2013
Joe S Reese, Jr .
Born Feb. 5, 1917 in Montgomery, AL , and grew up in Letohatchee, AL, graduating high school in Fort Deposit, AL.
Joe attended business school at the University of Alabama Center in Montgomery. Met Dorothy “Dot” Wilson, from Selma, AL on a golf course in Montgomery and they married on October 3, 1939.
Joe entered the Army in 1943 and received an honorable discharge after two and a half years.
After moving to Alexander City AL in 1947, Joe enjoyed a thriving accounting practice, then purchased an insurance agency. After retiring from this business in 1979, he continued his interest in accounting on a part time basis.
Always a very active layman in the First United Methodist Church of Alexander City, he served as chairman and treasurer of the Board of Stewards of the church. He was very active in the civic arena, serving as Secretary of the Lions Club form many years and was a charter member of the Colonial Lions. He was President of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce in 1971 and President of the Alabama Association of Public Accountants.
Moving to a retirement community in Brooksville, FL, he was active in the formation of the Homeowners Association and served as treasurer and on the Board of Directors for 3 years.
Later, after moving to Villa Rica near Atlanta, Joe helped organize and start a new Kiwanis Club, The Kiwanis Club of Fairfield Plantation in 1988, was recognized for organizing what became one of the club’s top fundraisers, was charter President of the club, and was named recipient of the George M Hixson Fellowship, given by fellow Kiwanians. Joe and Dot were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Carrollton, GA. They relocated to Lafayette, AL in 1998 to be near faithful and loving daughter Pippy Howell. At age 90, Joe was still helping with the bookkeeping and financial needs at the First Methodist Church there while continuing to play golf on occasion, reading books and his beloved “Upper Room”, and being with his faithful dog, Buster.
Joe and Dot enjoyed the out-of-doors and began their camping adventures in 1969 with a trip to Yellowstone. They camped in 49 states, combining their love of golf along the way, playing at more than 250 golf courses in the country. They enjoyed life on Lake Martin, gardening, water sports, and in his free time, Joe enjoyed pursuing a love of history and researching his lineage.
Most importantly, Joe was a devoted husband to Dot, and loving and nurturing father to his four children, instilling in them values, morals, and a love of Jesus. He always tried to do what God expected him to do. He is survived by son, Keene L Reese (Chrissy) Atlanta, Karen Stubblefield (Glen) Valley Springs, CA, Pippy Howell (Billy) Lafayette, AL, and Emily Williams Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, as well as six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Services will be graveside in Selma, AL on Saturday, February 2 at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Lafayette, AL