William Eugene Reese (also known as Rudolph to his family) was born on July 25 ^th , 1936 in Columbia, SC to William Hampton and Leona Sawyer. After complications from a long illness, his breath (soul/life) gave out on July 27 ^th 2017.

His mother Leona was a part of the Great Migration where southern blacks moved north. He remained in the south until around the age of 9 where he went to live in New Rochelle, NY with his mother.

While in the army he met Betty Daniels in Denver, CO, and, after getting married, enjoyed that wonderful marital arrangement for 60 years. They moved to New York and then came the kids!

If he could speak to you all he would like to let you know that his work here is done……..for now, after receiving an offer he couldn't refuse, he was baptized in 1961 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses one that promises the opportunity to return to a paradise on earth through a resurrection based on a promise in John 5:28-29. He served faithfully for many years as an Elder in the Christian congregation. For now, I'm sure he would like you to know that he's just asleep and have no consciousness according to Ecclesiastes 9:5. His next conscious moment will be when he's awaken just like Lazarus was, and then he'll be looking for a reunion with family and friends. He will be looking to socialize, and plant vegetables to his heart's content. Where music, laughter and love are guaranteed, and food will be fantastic. Oh, and singing like Johnny Mathis once again is a great possibility!

He is survived by his wife; Betty Reese, son; Jarrett Hampton, daughters and their spouses; Barbara and Scott Branford, Wanda and Lamelle Williams, Cheryl and Charles Hunt, and daughter; Sonia Reese. Grandchildren; Terrance, Jamal, Christopher, Lamelle (Kahill), Barry, Brian, Cornell, Jeffrey, Melissa, Caleb, and Cherice and 9 Great grands.

He was preceded in death by both parents and a daughter, Veronica Branford.