William Charles Reak Jr.

Bill was born on July 30, 1947 to Addalene Wilson and William Charles Reak, Sr. in St Louis, MO. He grew up in Louisville, KY and following high school, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in active duty from 1966-1969 with 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. While serving as a Marine, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Rifle Expert Badge. After returning home, he pursued a nursing degree, was on the Dean’s List and graduated from Pensacola Jr College (PJC) with an Associate Degree in Nursing, as a Registered Nurse, 1989. He then went on to receive an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from PJC and a BA in History from the University of West Florida, 2009. He was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta, Sigma-Iota Chapter, 2008. He pursued his nursing career for 23 years and retired in 2012 as the Manager of Interim Home Health Care, Fort Walton Beach.

Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Atmore, AL. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren, loved to tease and had a unique sense of humor. He loved to learn new things and education was a priority for him. He always emphasized the importance of getting a good education to his children and grandchildren. He loved to watch football, basketball and golf on the television and he was particularly partial to the University of Louisville basketball team and to the University of Alabama football.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Judith Anne Reak, Mother of Sarah Colburn, Susan Reak-Chandler, Ryan Reak, and Leah Anne Colburn (2021).

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Debbie Reak of Century, FL, 3 children, Sarah Colburn (Jason), Athens, TN, Susan Reak-Chandler (Christopher), Robertsdale, AL, and Ryan Reak (Jenna), Navarre, FL. Bill had 2 stepchildren, Brian Jones (Becky), Philadelphia, PA and Leslie Jones, Seattle, WA; 10 grandchildren, Lauren and Ben Colburn, Kerrigan, Quincy and Olsen Chandler, Kaylee, Macy and Cody Reak, and Xelli and Decca Berg.

Other survivors include his stepfather, George Williams, Knoxville, TN; Brothers and Sisters, Wayne (Cookie) Welsh, Cox’s Creek, KY; Jack Reak (Kathy), Colorado Springs, CO, Karen (Chuck) Schmidt, St Louis, MO, Lynn Fiellin, Tampa, FL, Renee Williams Burnett, Summerville, SC, Benny Williams, Knoxville, TN and Tony Williams (deceased).

The graveside service will be held Friday, October 22, 2021, 9:30 AM, at the Barrancas Cemetery. A procession will meet at the parking lot of Olive Baptist Church, Warrington Campus, at 8:45 AM, 103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507. Following the service, a reception will be hosted for the family and friends at Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, 1985 West 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL, 32534. No flowers can be accepted or taken to Barrancas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Bill has requested donations be sent to St Jude Memorial Gifting, (800) 213-6584.

As your family, we take comfort knowing that you are no longer suffering from pain and the agony of the cancer and can now rest in peace. You fought a hard fight with tremendous strength, to the end. We love and admire you for the special husband, Father and patriot you were. You will be missed every day.