Gary Windle Reese
1954 ~ 2019
Date of Death: June 26, 2019
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Reese family. Gary's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Gary Reese.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Gary Windle Reese was born in Van Buren, Arkansas to the late Jack and Annette Reese on April 4, 1954. He departed this life on June 26, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ronald Reese, and a sister, Deborah Abernathy.
At an early age, Gary accepted Christ. He was united in holy matrimony to Marilyn Laverne Reese and to this union; a daughter, Erika (Christopher) Knauls, and a son, JaVonte Reese.
Gary graduated from Van Buren High School in 1972. He attended Ouachita Baptist University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. While attending Ouachita Baptist, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Gary served a number of years at BDM at Fort Chaffee Army Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and also worked as a Substitute Teacher for the Fort Smith Public School District. Together, Gary & Marilyn worked 27 years with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Gary then retired from the City of Fort Smith in 2014. Afterwards, he worked part-time at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Gary leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Marilyn Reese. His daughter, Erika (Christopher) Knauls of Frisco, Texas; a son, JaVonte Reese of Fort Smith, Arkansas; three sisters, Jacquelyn Matlock of Van Buren, Arkansas, Yvonne (Michael) White, Wanda (Hermano) Miller all of Garland, Texas; two step-sisters, Pamela Richardson of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Jamie Yeager of Texas City, Texas; two brothers, Toney (Margaret) Reese of The Colony, Texas, and James Reese of Van Buren, Arkansas; one step-brother Terrance Richardson of Van Buren, Arkansas, and a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Gary had two lovely grandsons, Christopher Windle Knauls, Jr. and Zae’Maren Reese, who affectionately called him “Paw Paw”. They loved to talk sports and enjoyed eating “sweet snacks”. Gary was extremely proud of his grandchildren, and they will miss him dearly.
Gary will be remembered for his acts of kindness and generous spirit. He had a huge heart, and was always willing to help all of those in need.
Visitation will be Friday, July 5, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday July 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Saint James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
