J. Pressley Reese Sr.

He was born in Iredell County on December 5, 1917, to David Clarence Reese and Bessie Shook Reese, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Glenn, Guy, Hal, Fred, Clyde, and Elmer, and a sister, Dorothy Cellura.

Mr. Reese was a WWII Veteran of the Navy, serving on the USS Alshain in the Pacific, and was retired from Sealtest Milk Company.

On May 25, 1935 he was married to Annie Lucille Goble who survives. They spent 76 wonderful years together. He is also survived by one son, James P. (Jim) Reese Jr.(Susie), two grandchildren, David Crist Reese (Stephanie) of Mooresville, and Diane Reese Padgett (William) of Durham, 3 great-granddaughters, who loved their Paw Paw, Reagan E. Padgett, Annie K. Padgett, and Emilie S. Reese, and a sister, Pauline Charles of Statesville.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday May 28, 2011 at New Sterling ARP Church with Dr. Earl Linderman and Rev. Tim Watson officiating, with burial following in the church cemetery with full military rites by Harmony American Legion. Visitation will be held Friday May 27, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be: Ray Goble, Richard Charles, William (Billy) Reese, Harvey Reese, Jim Mayhew, Trey Sunderland, Jason Glennon, and David Brady. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons and Elders of New Sterling ARP Church.

Memorials may be given to: New Sterling ARP Church 580 New Sterling Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers, Doris Robinette, Amanda Overcash, Sharon Graybill and Hospice of Iredell County. They allowed him to live his last months at home with dignity, love and laughter.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at