Russell LeRoy Reese,

Russell LeRoy Reese, Sr., 85, passed away on Wednesday April 8, 2015 after a lengthy illness. Russell was born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania on April 26, 1929 to John Charles Reese and Tegweed Williams Reese. He moved to Jacksonville in 1955. Russell served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired as President from Southern Industrial Bank, was a charter member of the Arlington Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Arlington Lion’s Club. Russell was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and served in the Vestry. Russell was an avid baseball fan. Pop Pop loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they were a great source of joy. He also loved and adored his black lab “Duke”. Mr. Reese was predeceased by his parents and his son Russell LeRoy Reese, Jr.Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Rebecca “Becky” Reese; daughters, Brenda Adeeb (Joseph), Debra Saramak, Cheryl Bell (Charles) and Charlene Strickland (Carl); a brother, Charles Reese; 8 grandchildren, Josh Adeeb, Katie Colley (Reed), Kirsten Martino (Josh), Natalie Dreyer (Chris), Russell L. Reese, III (Melissa), Frank Allison (Jessica) Becky Ledman (Everett) and Sterling Strickland; 13 great grandchildren, Ava Adeeb, Jake, Olivia, Noah and Zoe Colley, Ella, Chase and Mae Martino, Carson and Shelby Allison, Evan and Isabella Ledman and Madison Reese also many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. A Memorial service will be held 11:30 am Wednesday April 15, 2015 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2961 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211. Interment will be at Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Mayo Clinic Foundation or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.