Homegoing celebration for Deacon James Reese, Sr. who passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 will be held Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m., First Baptist Church of Progressive Village, 8722 Progress Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33619. Rev. Dr. Samuel Maxwell, pastor officiating. The interment will be in Myrtle Hill Cemetery. James Reese was born January 15, 1935 in Campbell ton, FL to the parentage of Henry "Willie" and Solistis Reese. James attended Hillsborough County Public Schools, and graduated with Middleton High School class of 1954. James retired from Keys Industries as a Cement Truck Driver in 2000. James gave his life to Christ at the tender age of thirteen and was ordained a Deacon at the age of twenty at Highland M.B. Church. He sang with several quartets in the Tampa area: Florida Gospel Singers, Gospel Songbirds, Rising Stars and Florida Soul Stirrers. Deacon James Reese joined the fellowship of The First Baptist Church of Progress Village in 1960 and served in several ministry capacities. His angelic voice can always be heard singing praises to God, lifting prayers, and aligning the old familiar hymns of the church; especially his favorite "A Charge to Keep I Have". Deacon Reese quietly answered the call of his Savior and was ushered into the loving arms of Jesus to rest for all eternity on January 17, 2015. James was preceded in death by Henry "Willie" Reese (father), Solistis Reese (mother), Tanya Reese Robinson (daughter), James Walker (grandson), Willie Walker, Jr. (son-in-law). He leaves a multitude of fond memories with his wife of 59 years Bernese Reese; children: Deborah Walker, Shirley (Danny) Davis, James (Deborah) Reese Jr., and Susan Reese; grandchildren: Willie C. (Wanida) Walker III, Tiana (Michael Jr.) Wade, Tarrence (Sara) Davis, Tatanisha Bennett. great-grandchildren, Jamie Walker, Jasmine Walker, Jada Ordway, Jacob Ordway, Michael Wade III, Victor Wade, Izayah Davis, Tayviah Davis, Darius Davis, Isabella Davis, and Alana Bennett. sisters-in-law, Annie B. Gentry, Doris Anne Hall and brother-in-law, Silas Lewis. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved church and community family members, and long-time friends Charles and Odessa Roberts. The visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Progress Village, Friday, January 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.