PONTOTOC – A colorful personality, a man that would talk to a bodock post, a scratch golfer at Pontotoc Country Club and Natchez Trace Golf Club until his health failed, a man who knew how to make every day count, has finished his earthly pilgrimage. Ray Leon Reese, at age 82, met his Creator in the 7th hour of Monday morning, January 10, 2022, from Sanctuary Hospice House. Ray was born in East Tupelo on Oct. 12, 1939, to a pioneer family. His late parents were Clyde and Lura LaFray Spencer Reese. Ray grew up in Tupelo and graduated from Tupelo High School. A salesman at heart, Ray spent his lifetime working for Besco selling Office Supplies and later worked many years for Magnolia School Supply until retirement. It has been said that Ray was the finest #2 lead pencil salesman in these parts!! He and Paulette enjoyed working in their yard and playing with his dog, Snoozer. Ray cut a wide path in his lifetime, had lots of friends and provided honorably for his family. He will be missed.
Per his request, the family has chosen to have a private family only service. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.
Ray is survived by his wife of 35 years, Paulette Sheffield Ball Reese of Pontotoc; his daughter, Lyn Reese of Tupelo, and his granddaughter, Kaci Cates (Matt) and great grandchildren, Noah Christopher Hartigan, Mattox Reese Hartigan and Adalyn Grace Cates, all of Tupelo; his bonus children, Richerria Brady (Scott) of Jacksonville, FL and Greg Ball (Lori) of Starkville; his bonus grandchildren, Nicole Lott (Daniel) of Pearl, MS, Hannah Ball of Marietta, GA, Nicholas Brady, Natalie Brady and Nathan Brady, all of Jacksonville; his sister, Ramona O’Shields (Wayne) of Memphis; his brothers, Sonny Reese (Ginger), Earl Reese of Fulton, and Joe Reese (Cathy) of Eggville; a sister in law, Jo Gillespie Reese of Tupelo; numerous nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Judy Pannell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lafray; his first wife, Carrol “C. J” Adair Reese; his son, Mike Reese; a brother, Bobby Reese; and his beloved dog, Snoozer.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.
The end of an era. I’m saddened to hear of his passing, but while he is gone from our sight, there were others on the other side watching and shouting Here he comes!
Love and prayers to you Lyn and family
Mitzi Phillips
Dear Reese family, I’m sorry for your loss and you have my deepest condolences. The loss of a loved one brings great pain and sorrow but you can gain comfort from Gods word the Bible. Acts 24:15 says “There is going to be a resurrection” so you can see your dear loved one again. A promise from our loving Heavenly Father. I hope this was a source of encouragement for the family.