Wayne Ellis Reece

Wayne Ellis Reece, 74, died unexpectedly after a short but courageous battle with pancreatitis. Born in Winston-Salem, NC, on December 23, 1951, Wayne was the son of the late James Henry Reece and Swannie Stinson Reece of Boonville, NC.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jo Bell Reece, his oldest son, Nicholas Alexander Reece (Christine), grandchildren Spencer Matthew Reece, Anna Marie Reece, and Alexander Gregory Reece, and his youngest son, Gregory Stuart Reece (Tessa), grandchildren Avett Alexander Reece, Boden Jennings Reece, and Myla Manette Reece. He is also survived by his brother, James Edward Reece (Doris), nephews Jason Andrew Reece and Brian James Reece.

Wayne attended Starmount High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jo Bell. He later attended and graduated from Appalachian State University. Wayne and Jo were married in 1973 and made their home in Elkin, NC, where they welcomed their two sons, Nick and Greg. Over the years, Wayne and Jo shared a passion for designing, building, and creating new homes together. Their journey led them to many places they proudly called home, including Elkin, NC; Clemmons, NC; Emerald Isle, NC; Troutman, NC; Lewisville, NC; Charleston, SC; and, most recently, Denver, NC.

The way Wayne lived his life and the example he set were second to none. He was known for his humility, integrity, and unwavering work ethic. He possessed a genuine, good-hearted nature and was rarely seen without a big smile on his face. Wayne never hesitated to help someone in need, whether the task was big or small and whether he knew the person well or not. He was a role model not only for his children and grandchildren, but for all who were fortunate enough to know him. Through his actions, he showed us how to be a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He showed us what it meant to live as a man worthy of his time on earth. There truly was no better person to be around than Wayne Reece.

Wayne loved life to the fullest and found joy in the things that mattered most to him and Jo. He loved watching his children and grandchildren grow and play sports. He and Jo followed Wake Forest University basketball closely, and loved taking his family to the games. He cherished being a loving grandfather, serving as the proud sous chef to Jo, and enjoying the many wonderful meals they created together. They enjoyed long walks, especially at the beach, spending time with friends, and taking pride in each home they built, both inside and out. He also made the best homemade peach ice cream, which he lovingly served to his grandkids and all those fortunate enough to be walking by. Yet, all of these joys paled in comparison to his love for his soulmate, Jo. It was not simply how he lived his life or what he did with his time, but who he chose to share it with. Wayne and Jo were inseparable, doing nearly everything together, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. When they finally slowed down from their many projects, Wayne found his greatest peace sitting with Jo on their deck, looking out at the lake, and talking about how good life truly was.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Wayne Reece to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers.

A Celebration of Life for Wayne will be held at Westcape Village in Denver, NC, on Saturday, March 7, from 2:00 to 4:00. Please RSVP to Nick Reece at [email protected].