Ret. TSgt Norman Eugene Reese
Thu, 01/02/2025 - 12:30pm
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April 19, 1937 – December 24, 2024
Norman was born in Mountain View, Missouri on April 19, 1937. He was the oldest of four sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow and Ruby Reese. He grew up on a working farm, including dairy operations. His early life surrounded him with farm animals, horses, and a one-room schoolhouse, fresh fruit vines, and lots of chores. He left the homestead at 17 and went to Kansas City, Missouri to work before deciding to enlist in the Air Force in 1954 to begin his military career.
This Air Force career took him and his family to many bases in the US and overseas, including in 1969 to Seymour Johnson AFB in civil engineering.Norman is also a Vietnam Veteran. He retired from Seymour Johnson in June of 1977. He married the former Ellen L. Reed in 1959, and they expanded their family with two children.
After retirement, Norman, or “Gene” as he was often referred, was self-employed in construction, before deciding to join DS Simmons, Inc., a commercial construction company in Goldsboro. He worked for the company for 23 years before officially retiring in 2000.
Norman’s lifelong special hobbies and interests included fishing and hunting. Being an avid fisherman, he enjoyed fishing local and at the beach to include surf fishing, crabbing, and clamming. Norman was also a hunter. He hunted for most of his life and was a member of a hunt club for many years.
Norman took beach trips every year, plus traveled to his home state of Missouri, Virginia, Maryland and various other states. The family took vacations throughout the years to enjoy tourist spots, and site seeing in other countries, where he was stationed.
Norman was also involved in Cub Scouts for his son’s troop, and was also an Explorer post leader for both of his kids as part of community projects. The annual Explorer beach camporee was a highlight each year.
Norman was a dedicated builder. He assisted in several historical home refurbishments in his town, designed and constructed personal furniture pieces for family and friends in his custom-built workshop.
He and his wife often hosted cookouts and card games. Pinochle was their game of choice, as it required skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to master. The couple were also in a mixed bowling league for many years.
In the recent past, he hosted an annual neighborhood seafood fest that all enjoyed.
His final years were enjoyed in his home of 46 years, until his health began to decline. Norman resided in Greendale Forest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, until his passing.
Norman is preceded in death by Mrs. Ellen Louise Reed Reese, wife of 36 years and mother of his two children who passed in October 1995. Partner, Ethel L. Crosier until her passing in July 2020. Parents, Mr. & Mrs. Woodrow(Ruby L.) Reese & maternal in laws, Mr. Elmer B.(Maureen N.) Reed.
Survivors include his children; daughter, Sandra Reese Borgersrode(Neal); son, James Reese(Greg and son, Edward); sister-in-law, Carol A. Reed(James) Swab; and his brothers, Mr. Charles(Pat) Reese, Brian(Mary) Reese, Mr. Carl J.(Florentina) Reese.
Special close friends, Ms. Cathy M. Tolbert, Catherine Tolbert Nesbit, Rebecca Tolbert, Mr. Jeffery(Yon) New, Mr. Bill Thering, Mr. Ray Haygood, Mr. Kerry Thompson, Mr. Charlie Rizzo, and Mr. Greg Nichols, and long-time neighbors.
A celebration of love and remembrance will be held on Friday, January 3, at 11:00 A.M. in the mausoleum chapel at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:30 until 7:30 at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Goldsboro, 1401 Royal Ave., Goldsboro, NC 27530 Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Reese family and online condolences may be sent via www.shumate-faulk.com