Robert Keith Reece
August 1, 1928 ~ March 27, 2024
Born in:
Bartlett, Tennessee
Resided in:
Bryan, Texas
Robert Keith Reece, 95 years old of Bryan Tx. passed away on March 27, 2024. He was born August 1, 1928, to Joe and Audrey Reece in Barlett, Tennessee. Keith grew up and lived in Tennessee and was raised in the Presbyterian Church. Keith excelled at many sports. He played tennis, baseball, and basketball in high school and in college. He also played semiprofessional baseball after high school that paid for him to attend college. Keith was an avid golfer in his retirement. Keith graduated from Bethel College with a B.S. degree in mathematics. He received his master’s degree in computer science from Texas A&M University in 1970.
Keith married the love of his life, Shirley Fly, in Gibson Tennessee in the Methodist Church, May 19, 1951. They were married for over 72 years.
Keith was in the US Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel after serving 27 years of unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and sacrifice. They traveled and lived in 25 cities and many states. They eventually settled in Montgomery Alabama, where he retired. After retirement from the Air Force, Keith taught computer programing at the collegiate level. He and Shirley moved to Bryan, Texas in 2002.
They were members of First United Methodist Church of Bryan, where they were actively involved.
Keith is preceded in death of his parents, Joe & Audrey Reece, as well as his brother, Joseph (JC) Reece.
Keith is survived by his wife Shirley Reece, his children, son Michael Keith Reece and his wife Sharon Cargill, his son Richard Kent Reece and wife Sonya Brannum, his daughter Lori Reece and her husband, Donald Patrick Norris; 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at First Methodist Church Bryan (506 E, 18, Bryan) on April 2, 2024, at 2:30pm. Following the service, there will be a reception in the Heritage Room at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given in honor of Keith to St. Jude’s Hospital. (501 St Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or stjude.org) Also, contributions may be made to First Methodist Church, 506 E. 28th street, Bryan, Texas 77805.
A special thanks goes to his exceptional care giver, Treat Hicks and her team.
Please visit Callaway Jones Funeral Home (web site) to share condolence and expressions of gratitude for Keith and a life well lived.
Pall bearers:
Bryan Reece
Eric Reece
Mitchell Norris
David Trotter
Nathan Winters
Justin Cruz
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Shirley and family, Marvin and I are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. Thank you Shirley for calling Marvin, it meant the world to him to hear from you. You and your family have meant so much to the Richardson’s over these many years. We have such fond memories of our times together. I’m sure Ernest met Keith with a gap for him to guard and a gate for him to work. We love you all…many prayers for you and your family. Keith will be greatly missed. Much love, Marvin and Susan, your Alabama family
Dear Shirley and family, We are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. He was such a good friend and sidekick to my Daddy. Johnny still talks about Saturdays at the pasture with the two of them. My family was blessed with good and faithful friends. Our prayers are with you. Love Jan and Johnny Cross