Born January 21, 1919 in Cleveland, Texas, Herman was the last arrival to the nest of Ed and Annie Reece. Their quiver also included Ed Jr., Freddie, Luby, Ethel, Sally and Lillian; all of whom predeceased him. Herman was nurtured and schooled in the community of his birth. He put his hand in God's hand and was baptized at an early age. He moved to Houston in pursuit of stable work to support his new bride, Alcenia. Initially, they resided in Fourth Ward and later moved to First Ward in 1949. "The tall man with all the children" quickly earned the respect of his neighbors and was lovingly addressed as "Mr. Reece." The family home still stands and the telephone number has not changed in over six decades. Mr. Reece lived a Christ-centered life and was a dedicated member of the Hill Zion Baptist Church for 40+ years under the pastoral watches of Rev. Jess Baker, Rev. R. L. Archield, Rev. J. S. McKnight and Pastor Abe Goff. During this time span, he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and President of the Baptist Training Union. Deacon Reece also worked as the church janitor for many years, assisted by "his crew", as needed. Because of certain life changes and circumstances, it became necessary for him to unite with The Community Of Faith Church in 1989, under the leadership of Bishop James W. E. Dixon. Shortly after, attendance and service were interrupted due to relocation and declining health. In 2009, the decision was made by his children to place his membership at The Refreshing Church, led by Pastor John Murray. Loving care and outreach were continually extended by way of First Sunday Communion, Pastoral visits, and birthday celebrations. Vocationally, he was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and ACME Fast Freight Company. He retired after 30 years; having walked to and from work every dayrain or shine. A very hard working man, civic leader and Jack of Many Trades, Mr. Reece had a mind and heart for betterment and fairness and hailed as a pillar of the First Ward community. He was very involved in the City of Houston's Model Cities program and served as Precinct Judge for many years. He was labeled the unofficial "Mayor of First Ward" after serving as President of the First Ward Civic Club for 10-plus years. He was directly responsible for getting Metro bus service into the First Ward neighborhood. He touched countless lives by embracing and helping "everyone" regardless of their status. He will be remembered for always giving instruction, encouragement, correction, sharing a good joke and making sure you read the newspaper and drank plenty of water. Countless residents became registered voters because of their chance meeting with Mr. Reece, no matter how brief. His promise to love, honor and cherish his wife, Alcenia, resulted in 65 years of God-ordained marriage. She predeceased him on October 1, 2008. An exemplary husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, he earned many endearing titles, touched many hearts, and fostered many other daughters and sons. Daddy, Daddy Boy, Poppa, Paw-Paw... is survived by his 3 sons: Herman, Jr. (Sandy), Cleotis (Diane) and Calvin; eight daughters: Elsie, Shirley, (Frank) Linda, (James) Marilyn, Melba, Virginia (Anthony), Joyce (Dennis) and Lucretia, (Loyd). God favored him to love and nurture 51 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. (At the time of this writing, the 39th great grandchild, Willie Cloud, III, is expected.) His Son in Law, Dennis, immediately became his "Son" in every sense of the word and diligently worked in Daddy's stead, along with Loyd and Frank. At some point in his life, Daddy blessed the lives of many nieces and nephews, being the longest living uncle. A special bond was shared with his brother-in laws, Clinton and Elijah Russell; first daughter-in-law, Vera Reece; Brother in Christ, DXC Knotts and Sister in Christ, Elizabeth Lyons and Ardialure Justice. Both "Low First" and "High First" residents were endeared to Mr. Reece; namely Tymon Eugene Jackson, Nestor Herrera and his "adopted church daughter" Shirley Riley and "adopted school daughter" Stacey Singleton. He will be sorely missed and always remembered by all who survive him and cherish his legacy of "caring" and "sharing." God divinely assigned "Romey" to care for Daddy. Over the years, no one could do what Daddy needed done quite like her; nurses included. Along with the help of her son Romeo, an outstanding job of "around the clock care" was provided. After getting the call, Dianne, his oldest daughter, arrived at his bedside and was diligent in her assistance as time for the departure drew closer. On Tuesday, April 2nd at 6:11 a.m., Herman Reece fell asleep in the natural and awakened in the bosom of his creator. He was cared for and comforted to the very end by continual visits from his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other extended family and friends. Mr. Reece was not a perfect person, but when all the votes were in, he was a number one husband; a do all "daddy" to his eight daughters and a "hero" to his three sons. His unique "leadership by example" model has been embraced by grandsons Romeo, Errol and Willie, as well as other males in the Reece lineage who received direct and continual guidance for strong, Christ-centered manhood. He was quick to share life lessons, ask probing questions, and kept his Bible handy to settle whatever questions might arise with the scripture to back him up.
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