Clarence James Reese peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 7, 2021 in Plano, Texas. He was born on July 22, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Daniel Webster Reese and late Marjorie James Reese. Clarence was affectionately known as “Butch” to close family and childhood friends in New Orleans. His parents and siblings were pillars of support for the New Orleans community, always reaching out to help those in need. This drive to support and “give back” transcended throughout Clarence’s life and left footprints on the paths of everyone he touched.
Clarence married his wife of 41 years, his soul mate and partner, Roselyn Richardson, June 30, 1979. They were blessed with one child Jason. From his previous marriage to Valjeanne Taylor, there were three blessings, Sharyn, Clarence Jr. and Daryl.
Clarence lived a full life. He loved the Lord and was baptized at the Fifth African Baptist Church. Clarence was also known as an academic. At Thomy Lafon Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was selected to represent the 6th grade class as the King of the Honor Court for his excellence in academics. He attended Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans, Louisiana and played on the varsity football and basketball teams, graduating in 1960 as the senior class president. In fact, he was voted “most likely to succeed.” Clarence earned an athletic and academic scholarship to attend Dillard University in New Orleans.
During his tenure at Dillard, he played varsity football, but made the decision to focus on Mathematics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. While balancing academics and sports, Clarence pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Despite his busy schedule, Clarence found time to drive cabs for his father’s company (Morrison Cab Company), which allowed him to not only make extra money, but also to develop a work ethic that he used throughout his adult life. After graduating from Dillard, Clarence was hired at his high school alma mater as a mathematics instructor, where he gained respect from students who were almost his contemporaries. He left Cohen after one year to accept a position in Corporate America.
Clarence began his corporate career at Michoud Assembly and Facility Manufacturing Plant in New Orleans, as an Engineer. He led the team to develop processes and protocols that ensured the safety and reliability of the Apollo program’s success. Clarence was recruited by the Xerox Corporation as an Engineer in 1967.
Clarence moved to Rochester, NY where he began his career in quality engineering and program management with Xerox. He co-founded the group Concerned Association of Rochester, Incorporated or CARI formed to help promote minority hiring and development, improve the quality of life in Rochester, and support upward mobility of minority employees. Clarence held various positions during his 30+ years of service including, but not limited to, Quality Reliability Engineer, Manager Manufacturing Operations, Manager Facsimile Programs, Vice President of Quality. At the time of his retirement, his responsibilities included directing the Multinational Launch program, where he was charged to oversee the worldwide readiness of the Xerox Marketing, Sales and Service organizations to introduce the first digital copier offered by Xerox to the marketplace. Quality was the underlying theme throughout his career. He was known for being precise and always strove for excellence, paying attention to detail.
Clarence was self-taught in building, refurbishing, and troubleshooting computers, which became a hobby after his retirement from corporate America. He assisted family, friends and acquaintances, often providing them complimentary services. To some, he was affectionately known as the “computer guru.”
When he was not wearing his “IT hat,” Clarence spent time “massaging” and grilling chickens. He was a grill master and frequently gave chickens to neighbors, close family and friends. He also was known for his red beans and rice, which cannot be duplicated. In his spare time, Clarence was involved in community service; he was an active Father and Grandfather in Jack and Jill of America, Inc. He participated in service projects and activities that benefited children and families and he worked on fundraisers, which supported worthy causes. He was a true servant leader who realized how important it was to serve and give back to others.
Family was paramount to Clarence. He loved to visit his family in New Orleans, and he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. The grandkids called him “Papa,” and every time he heard that name, his eyes would brighten. He took the “kids” to games, met them at school for lunches, and even had his special box where he would hide little treats for them. The love that he gave and the life lessons that he taught will be remembered and cherished.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara Reese Lee, Ruthlyn Reese Morris, and Gwendolyn Reese Barconey, and sister-in-law Donna Hurt Reese.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Roselyn Richardson Reese, daughter Sharyn Reese Winborn, three sons Clarence James Reese, Jr., Dr. Daryl Webster Reese (Shannon), and Jason Guice Reese, four grandchildren Daniel Reese, Tristan Reese, Maison Reese and Reese Winborn, two brothers Claude Reese and Webster Reese, two sisters Evelyn Reese Adams (Walter) and Patricia Reeves, brother-in-law Whitney Barconey, aunt Alberta Guillory, goddaughter Joy Lee Brown, adopted family Charlotte, Chelsea, Brandon and Deshawn Stephens, long-time childhood friend Jesse W. Bridges, long-time devoted friend Levern Wilson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Remember, Clarence, our “Papa,” still lives with us spiritually. Seek signals of his presence such as eyes that light up a room, a contagious smile, a person with a warm and goodhearted nature… Celebrate and honor these moments.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, service will be private for the immediate family. A memorial service will be scheduled for family and friends on a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Clarence James Reese’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=662383&fr_id=1060&pg=fund
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