“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15Wilburn Boyd Reece, Jr., was blessed to make his passage to join his heavenly father and his precious family who have gone before him on July 17, 2015 at the age of 87. In his passing, he was surrounded by his family who were blessed to be holding him as he made his journey.Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, sister, son, Barry Reece, and daughter, Brenda Byrne and his lovely wife of 62 years, Norma Jean Reece.Boyd had a strong faith in God that increased throughout his life. He attended Golf Course Road Church of Christ for many years, until Norma’s and his health declined. At that time, their fellowship with the Lord was with family and friends around their kitchen table. His favorite book of the bible was Ecclesiastes. Boyd was born on December 20, 1927 at home in Deport, Texas to Opal and W.B. Reece, Sr. This was during the Depression and as his story goes, his dad made $12/week and lived in a 7×14 house, but never lacked for anything.He attended San Angelo High and Angelo Jr. College, where he was a star basketball player. Boyd worked for Southland Royalty, Co. for thirty years, retiring at the age of 55. He then pursued his passion for growing pecans. He was a member of the Pecan Growers Association and participated in pecan shows for 20 years. He won many awards at the highest level in the state of Texas. One of his highest honors was Texas A&M naming a tree “The Reece Variety” after him!Another love in his life was the game of softball. He worked many years with Midland College pitchers and taught private lessons at his home until the age of 84. This was one of his greatest legacies and enjoyments in life. Boyd and Norma hosted an annual end of school BBQ and fishing party for the CP Center at Reece’s Pond for many years until their health began to decline. They looked forward to this celebration each year. Boyd was such a colorful character. He touched many lives and had numerous friends from all walks of life.His survivors include two daughters, Linda Williams and her husband, Don, and Pam Reece; daughter-in-law, Tonya Reece; son-in-law, Tommy Byrne; grandchildren, Robin and her husband, David Poole, Alex Byrne, and Julie Byrne; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Byrne, Kayla Byrne, Caiden Reece, Kambel Reece, Carter Poole; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.The family would like to express their gratitude towards the many friends he developed during his time at Manor Park, Sammy and William-thank you. A very special thank you to Tina Higgins, who became an adopted daughter in the last year of his life. Thank you Hospice of Midland. Thank you Rue Landon, Richard Dearstein, and Martha Davis for loving our daddy. There are just too many other angels to name, but you know who you are.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Manor Park’s Employee Fund, Hospice of Midland, or to a charity of one’s choice.Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 9:00 am at Resthaven Memorial Park with Pastor Joe Chavez officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Williams, Rex Pallard, Tom Byrne, Paul Carpenter, Jimmy Carpenter, Richard Dearstein, Jay Watson, Bill Chrane, Earl Selman, and Eli Padilla.,
