FEBRUARY 19, 1932-DECEMBER 17, 2023
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023 | 12:00 NOON
FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
3300 31ST STREET SOUTH, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33712 DR. JOHN A. EVANS SR., PASTOR
His Lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou has been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - Matthew 25:23
Arthur L. Reese was born February 19, 1932, to the late Deacon Adam Reese, Sr. and Mabel Maxwell Reese in Elgin, Texas. Derived from humble beginnings, Arthur vividly recalled picking cotton to help support his family. His parents raised him along with five other siblings. Arthur and his siblings were raised to be devout followers of Jesus Christ, he confessed his love for Christ at an early age during a revival meeting while sitting on the “Mourner’s Bench.” Arthur decided to lend his hand to the preacher, and rest his heart in God. He joined the Loving’s Valley Baptist Church and was baptized the same day in Brusher’s Creek.
As Arthur grew, he matriculated through schools in rural areas. His first recollection of attending an actual brick and mortar school was in the eighth grade at Whitched Stop for Negros. Arthur’s family then moved to Taylor, Texas. In 1952, he graduated from Oil Price High School and received a Football Scholarship to attend Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas as an Elite running back. After completing a couple semesters, Arthur decided to enlist in the United States Air Force. While serving his country Arthur dedicated his service and honor by becoming a combatant in World War II, The Korean War, and The Vietnam War. He served his country for twenty- one years before retiring as a Master Sargent. Arthur possessed a superior work ethic and always seized opportunities to enhance his professional dedication. Subsequently, he went on to work for Zale’s Cooperation, as a Manager for O.G Wilson Department Store for numerous years. Ultimately, Arthur began his final professional venture at Bay Pines Veterans Affairs as a Mental Health Specialist where he eventually retired.
In 1953, Arthur married Ms. Iola Cobb. This union blessed him with eight children.
In 1971, Arthur remarried Pearl Blackshear. This union blessed him with three children.
Arthur had been a Prince Hall Mason for over fifty years. He was also a Cub Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America for a number of years.
Deacon Reese loved the Lord with all his heart. He served faithfully and tirelessly at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. John A. Evans Sr.
Deacon Reese served on various ministries such as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Board of Directors, President of the Layman’s Ministry, The Usher Board, the Parking Lot Ministry, Chairmen of Pastors’ Anniversary Committee, and an active participant in the West Coast Baptist Association. For many years, Deacon Reese along with a few other members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, would host Bible Study and small worship services at West Minister Chapel twice per month.
Deacon Reese adored the members of Friendship MB Church and frequently visited the sick and shut in, blessing them with food, prayers, and comfort as an unwavering servant of God. On Sunday mornings, Deacon Reese would show his reverence to God through lining hymns such as A Charge to Keep I Have, Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, and Remember Me -- to name a few. He would be seen praising and shouting as only he could, alongside a powerful message delivered by his beloved pastor and dear friend -- Dr. John A. Evans, Sr.
Arthur was preceded in death by his Parents and Siblings: Mable Mercer, L.V Reese, Adam Reese, Andrew Reese, and Lois Reese. Along with, (Daughter) Artris Bevers and (Wife) Pearlie Mae Reese.
Arthur leaves to cherish his memories his sons, Marlon Reese (Lakreisha) of St. Petersburg FL, Arthur Reese Jr (Lisa) of Stillwater OK, Mark Reese, Roger Reese (Carolyn) of Tacoma WA, Karl Reese (Carmen) of Redmond WA, Walter Reese, and Sherman Saxton of St. Petersburg, Florida; daughters, Marita Robbins (Don) of Wichita KS, Pamela Rice (Elvin) of Tacoma WA, and Kecia Blackshear of St. Petersburg, Florida; grandchildren: Le’Zaire Reese, Sanai Reese, Carlie Reese, Kayla Reese, Gregory Reese, Shawna Shaw, John Cole, Sarah Jackson, Geoffrey Reese, Nicholas Reese, Kailey Reese, Caison Reese, Peller Sparks, Darius Sparks, Kyle Reese, Travis Reese, Alyssa Reese, Pernell Saxton, Che’ Saxton, Alex Saxton, Aja Saxton, and Ahnwar Saxton; Special Caring Extended Family: Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Crum, Debra Barnes; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
CELEBRATING HIS LIFE & LEGACY
Processional Clergy, Family & Friends
Opening Selection
Invocation
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
New Testament
Favorite Hymn
Reflections
As a Member
As a Friend
As Special Caring Friends
Selection
Special Remarks
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Choir
Dr. Gregory Pollard
The Enon Church, Atlanta, GA
“A Charge To Keep I Have”
Bishop Lewis W. Sherman
Holy Christian Church, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL
Pastor Troy Adams
St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Clearwater, FL
Deacon Ministry of FMBC
Deacon Robert Henderson
Deacon Henry Webb
Bro. Ronnie and Lisa Crum
“Have You Been Tried in the Fire?”
Resolution and Acknowledgements
Obituary Reading
Hymn of Comfort
Words of Comfort
Committal
Benediction
Recessional
Minister John Frazier
Pastor Le’Zaire Reese, Grandson
New Calvary MBC, Atlanta, GA
Elder Sharon Saulsby
“Soldier In The Army”
Elder Benjamin Adams
St. John Primitive Baptist Church, Clearwater, FL
Dr. John Evans, Sr.
“He’ll Welcome Me”
The family of Deacon Arthur L. Reese would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for your love, support and kindness expressed during this time of bereavement. Your calls, cards, floral tributes and most of all your prayers served as a source of comfort. May God richly bless each of you. Special thanks to Suncoast Hospice of MidPinellas, Dr. John & First Lady Teresa Evans and the entire Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Family.
