Kenneth Reese Sr Obituary

Kenneth Daryl Reese, Sr. 75, died Thursday, April 27, 2023. Kenneth was known by friends and family as KD. KD was born in Brownsville, PA on September 20, 1947, son of Miles Watson and Betty Flo Reese. KD is survived by brother Harry (Juana Iris Ru) Reese, Mark (Leisa) Reese and a sister Cathy Barker. KD graduated from Charleroi High School in Charleroi, PA. After graduation, KD enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 which was during the Vietnam War. After basic training in Parris Island, SC, he was sent to Okinawa, Japan to support troops during the war as a Motor Transport Mechanic. Once his tour was completed, he returned to the states and was assigned to New River Marine Corp Air Station, Jacksonville, NC in 1968. While station at New River MCAS, he met and married Reba Jones Martin. KD completed military service in 1969 and decided to pursue a civilian life even though he loved serving his country. Once out of the Marine Corps, KD started working as a Maola Milkman and part-time automobile mechanic. In 1972, KD and Reba decided to move to PA for family and job opportunities. He worked as a Restaurant manager with Long Johns Silver. He loved this job because he loved being around people. KD had a great personality and was friendly with everyone. He developed a large network of acquaintances, however, in 1975 NC called KD and Reba back home. Once KD returned to NC in began working for Carolina Dairies Milk Company where he met the owners of the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store. The owner recruited KD to become a manager of their store in Aurora, NC. KD also worked at Texasgulf Phosphate Mining Company. The family lived in Aurora from 1976 to 1987 during this time he became disabled due to back problems. In 1987, they moved the family to Wilmington, NC. KD's favorite past times were wood working, gardening, spending time with his family and his dogs. His love for animals became a job of sorts because he and Reba were NC Wildlife Rehabilitators. Their main rescue animals were squirrels and an occasional bunny. They named each and every one the baby squirrels and became part of the family. It was not unusual to come over for a visit and find a baby squirrel sleeping with KD and Reba. He is survived by his son, Danny C. (Cathy) Martin, Sr. ; daughter, Susan (Ralph) Limbaugh; daughter, Sharon Powell; son, Kenneth (Liz) Reese, Jr. ; and 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. KD is preceded in death by his wife Reba in 2016; his father, Miles Watson Reese in 1997; mother, Betty Flo Reese in 2003; and his brothers, Bernard Reese and Miles E. Reese. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Randy Jones will officiate. Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.