Ruben James Reese

On August 23, 1929, Rev. R.J. Reese was born to Isom Reese Sr. and Viola Evans Reese, Sayersville, TX, Bastrop County. Rev. Reese affectionately known as "Pie" was the 11th child of the 14 children born to this union. Rev. Reese was educated in the Sayersville public school system. He later attended the Episcopal Theological Seminary. He continued his religious education by attending various pastoral studies and workshops at Prairie View A&M University and other pastoral conferences. At the tender age of 14, he was introduced to the love of his life, LaVern, by his brother, Earnest. To earn her hand in marriage, for 4 years and 8 months, Ruben had to go every Wednesday night to her house and sit from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He would lend a hand with chores, ran errands, and played with the other children in order to gain her affections and the approval of her parents. Rev. Reese worked at the Elgin Standard Brick Company until he moved with his wife and two children to San Francisco, CA. Rev. Reese and his family attended his brother, Rev. Sam Reese's church, Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he began singing with the Paramount Singers. It was at this time that he was called to preach. Rev. Reese returned to Elgin, Texas bringing his wife and four children. Rev. Reese loved the Lord and demonstrated his faith through his service to others. He mentored and offered support 'younger ministers. He took very serious his charge to visit the sick, to teach and preach God's word. With faith and love he lived a life that worthy of God's blessings and favor. Rev. Reese pastored and labored at Judea Baptist Church in Granger, Texas for 40 years. Prior to serving in Granger, he pastored at Lake View Baptist Church, Elgin, Texas, Cedar Grove Baptist Church and Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, both of LaGrange, Texas. Rev. Reese worked as an employee for Austin Energy, retiring after 25 years. However, he continued his early morning routine of getting up early. He would go to the family farm and put in a full day of work. He enjoyed working the land and growing a variety of fresh produce. Watermelon was definitely his favorite. Rev. Reese leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of sixty-two years, Iowa LaVern Jones Reese; Children, Donald (Teresa) of Round Rock Texas, Margaret Owens (Thomas) of Austin Texas, Sammy (Cheryl) of Bastrop Texas, Verna Cerecerez of Austin, Texas; Sisters, Mary Benford and Ruth (Mose) Harden of Austin, Texas, Tina Flowers and Faye Goodman of Elgin Texas, Omega Harden of San Francisco; Brothers, Rev. Sam Reese of San Fransico, Earnest Reese of Bastrop; Grandchildren, Havean, Bristol, Tasha, TJ, Kami, Ronson, Markisha, Ray, Kendra, Terrance, Tajah; Great-Grandchildren, Alayna, Alexandria, Arayla, Rheagan, Keefe, Piper. Proceeding him in death were brothers: Isom Jr., Earlie, and Woodie; sisters, Dovie Washington, Narcissas Canada, and Ida Mae Dove; son-in-law, Raymond Cerecerez.