Deacon Arthur Reese Life Celebration Program

F E B R U A R Y

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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.

C E L E B R A T I N G

H I S

L I F E

Processional

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L E G A C Y

Clergy, Family & Friends

Opening Selection

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Choir

Invocation

Dr. Gregory Pollard The Enon Church, Atlanta, GA

Scripture Readings Old Testament

Bishop Lewis W. Sherman Holy Christian Church, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL

New Testament

Pastor Troy Adams St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Clearwater, FL

Favorite Hymn

“A Charge To Keep I Have”

Deacon Ministry of FMBC

Reflections As a Member

Deacon Robert Henderson

As a Friend

Deacon Henry Webb

As Special Caring Friends Selection

Bro. Ronnie and Lisa Crum “Have You Been Tried in the Fire?”

Special Remarks Resolution and Acknowledgements

Minister John Frazier Pastor Le’Zaire Reese, Grandson New Calvary MBC, Atlanta, GA Elder Sharon Saulsby

Obituary Reading Hymn of Comfort

“Soldier In The Army” Elder Benjamin Adams St. John Primitive Baptist Church, Clearwater, FL

Words of Comfort

Dr. John Evans, Sr.

Committal Benediction Recessional

“He’ll Welcome Me”

Deacons of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Deaconess of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

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.

5730 15th Avenue S, Gulfport, Florida 33707 Ph: 727-345-4444 www.davidanddavisfuneralservices.com The K Effect, Print and Design 678-732-5937