Deacon Willie L. Reese was born January 31, 1946, in Tampa, Florida to the parentage of James T. Reese and Mary Thompson Reese. Mr. Willie L. Reese attended schools in Hillsborough County, graduating from Middleton High School in 1964. Following high school, he served in the United States Army for three years. Later, he worked for Robins Lumber Company; afterward, as a truck driver for the Georgia Pacific for 33 years. For pastime, Willie loved working in his yard and fishing. Also, he loved singing hymns and listening to gospel spirituals. Willie was ordained as a Deacon on January 23, 1977, with the Unity Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of College Hill where he joyfully served on the Deacons Board and sang in the Male Chorus until his health declined.

Mr. Willie L. Reese was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara J. Reese; his parents: James T. and Mary Reese, John B., and Ana Reese; brothers; Joseph Reese, Major Reese, Johnnie Lee Reese, and James Reese; sisters, Phyllis Rose Jones and Mertis Wedlow.

He leaves to cherish his memories: son, Tyrone Porter (Kimberly); daughter, Melynda Allen (Kevin); brothers, George Reese (Ann) and Bernard Reese (Johnnie Nell); sisters, Brenda Reese-Brown, Andrea Marie Reese, and Cynthia McDonald (John); sisters-in-law, Claudette Reese and Essie Reese; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Visitation
Friday, March 22, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
First Baptist Church of College Hill
3838 N 29th St
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Friday, March 22, 2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
First Baptist Church of College Hill
3838 N. 29th St.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Friday, March 22, 2024
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery
4615 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610