Obituary of Joe Bill Reece

Joe Bill Reece, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in Ardmore, Okla. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 5, 2018, in The Chapel at Griffin ~ Hillcrest with Pastor J.R. Townley officiating. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Ardmore.

Joe was born on May 3, 1939, in Wynnewood, Okla., to Ernest “Giggs” Reece and Charlene (Primrose) Reece. He attended Woodland Schools. He married Phyllis Ann Jones on July 13, 1956, in Gainesville, Texas. Joe enlisted in the US Navy in 1956 and served on the USS Randolph. He served in many locations during his career including Cuba, during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and in the Vietnam War. During his over 21 years serving his country, he enlisted in the US Air Force and became an Aircraft – Engine Mechanic and an instructor on the repair of the F15 Eagle at Langley Airforce base. While serving he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Three Good Conduct Medals and Purple Heart. Joe retired from military service and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in August of 1976. He took a position with Uniroyal Tire Company in the Maintenance Dept. and the family moved to Lone Grove, Okla. After fifteen years with Uniroyal, Joe took a medical retirement. He enjoyed camping and going on vacations with his family. He loved music and was an accomplished guitar player.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild, Thomas Reece, and two brothers: Fred Reece and Jackie Reece.

Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis Reece, two sons: David Reece and wife, Cindy, Steve Reece and wife, Bobbi, and daughter, Karetha Reece. Grandchildren: Jennifer Fulmer and husband, Andy, Natalie Whitt, Evan Whitt, Amy Southard and husband, Jerry, Michelle Russell and husband, Keegan, Nicole Brauer and husband, Ben, and Janet Chaney. Great-grandchildren: Piper Fulmer, Austin Kelly, Sierra Jones, Rhiannon Southard, Mickala Southard, Kaylee Hendon, Jacob Southard, Charlie Southard, William Russell, Murray Russell, Kyla Chandler, Kadeen Goettsch, Conner Goettsch, Dajuan Hill, Ryhanne Hill, and Donovan Buford. Three brothers: Charles Reece, Ernest Reece Jr., and Jimmy Reece, three sisters: Carolyn Harman, Betty Mae Richardson, and Shirlene Russell, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday Evening, May 4, 2018, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Griffin ~ Hillcrest Funeral Home.