Bruce L. Reese, age 70, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away on January 11, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Born on April 17, 1954, to Fred H. and Iva Jean (Hodges) Reese, he grew up in Carbondale. On October 5, 1985, he married Julia “Arlene” (Pender) Reese in Balcom, Illinois, and together they had two children, Kristopher and Cache Reese.
Bruce was a dedicated family man, known for his deep love for his family and close friends. He was passionate about collecting matchbox cars and enjoyed doing word puzzles in his spare time. Bruce had a long career driving trucks for Fox Courier Services. He was also an accomplished athlete in his younger years, breaking several track and field records for the Chicago Warhawks in Chicago, Illinois. Bruce had a love for drag racing and was proud to have owned the fastest drag racing car in three counties. One of his greatest joys was coaching his son, Kristopher, in baseball, where he shared his passion for the sport and helped his son develop his skills.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Reese; two children, Kristopher (Tara) Reese and Cache-Reese (Tyrus) Hawkins; grandchildren Natasha (John) Early, Valarie (Andrew) Hayter, Dakota (Alisha) Reese, Ivaree Reese-Hawkins, and Isaiah Reese-Hawkins; as well as great-grandchildren Talissa, Kristofer, Jazmyne, Dominic, Anderson, Charlie, Hanna, Aurora, Zebulon, and Eri (on the way). Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Jody (Reva) Reese; his sisters-in-law, Tana (Frank) Spencer, Becky (Bryan) Bruce, and Zina Pender; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.Bruce was preceded in death by his parents. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Southern Cremation and Burial Services, located at 1017 N. 14th Street, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor his memory.
Final arrangements lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois. (618)-684-2228
Sunday, January 19, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Southern Cremation and Burial Services
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