Ray Lee Reece

Ray Lee Reece, 85, passed away on May 22, 2026. He was born on Feb. 8, 1941, in Webber’s Falls, Okla., to Riley and Nettie Reece. He was raised in the church and was saved at a very young age, a faith that remained a guiding force throughout his life. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Central Assembly for more than 40 years. He was part Cherokee and deeply proud of his heritage.

After graduating from high school, he attended college at Oklahoma State University, majoring in vocational agriculture. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and on May 8, 1964, married the love of his life, Linda Brown. To this marriage two children were born, Lindell and Crystal. He later returned to college to obtain his master’s degree.

Reece moved to Illinois where he taught vocational agriculture at two schools and led the Future Farmers of America groups (FFA). They later returned to Oklahoma, and in 1970 the family settled in Willard. His professional life included teaching and work as a lab technician at Vanguard, Colombo, and Kraft Foods.

Outside of his career and his family, his greatest passion was his lifelong involvement with Royal Rangers, to which he dedicated more than 50 years. Together, Ray and Linda traveled to all 50 states and shared a heart for service by volunteering with Convoy of Hope.

Reece was preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Nettie Reece; his brothers, Kenneth Reece, Leon “Peanut” Reece, and Donnie Reece; and his brother-in-law, Delbert Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Reece; his children, Lindell Reece and Crystal Mitchell and her husband, Bruce.