Ralph Reese
Ralph L. Reese, 79 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, and was reunited with his loving wife of 45 years, Phyllis Blakenship Reese.
Ralph was born on October 18, 1943, in Salem, Va. to the late Buren Andrew and Bertie Showalter Reese. He joined the US Army Reserves in April of 1964, and proudly served for a total of six years prior to his honorable discharge in 1970. Ralph drove a semi for most of his years, faithfully employed with Overnite / UPS Freight for 40 plus years before retiring. When not at work, you may have found Ralph working in his garden and anticipating the time of harvest. Especially those yellow tomatoes! He also enjoyed mowing the lawn and other outdoors activities, but his passion was time with his family and friends, especially around a table somewhere having a bite to eat. He was known for being very sociable and one that never met a stranger. His neighbors could certainly testify to that. His family always came first, even before himself. He was a very selfless person, making sure they were always taken care of within his ability.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, Buren A. Reese, Jr., Garland Reese, and George Reese; and his sister, Shirley Reese Hale.
Family remaining to cherish his memory include his daughters, Carol R. Walker (Randy), and Lorrie A. Reese; his siblings, Walter D. Reese (Shirley), and Wilma Jean Bare (Johnny); grandchildren, Jonathan Wills (Andrea), and Lynnmarie Reese and her boyfriend, Chase Haynes; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Reese Wills; his girlfriend, Janie Bailey; special family friends, Jane, Christina, and Rowan Knapp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other friends.
The family wishes to offer a special thanks to the Salem Fire and EMS staff for their care, and thoughtfulness at the times they were needed.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 5 until 7 pm, and again on Sunday, August 20’th, from 5 until 7 pm, at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem.
Funeral services to honor Ralph’s life will be conducted at 2 pm on Monday, August 21, 2023, in the funeral home’s chapel. Pastor Ken Nienke will officiate.
Interment with military honors will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Reese family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
