Rex Beatty Reagan

Rex Beatty Reagan of Silver Spring, MD, suddenly passed in the comfort of his loving home on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Born in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and raised in Sevierville, TN, he grew up to be an incredibly kind and courageous gentleman who loved being a husband and father, and was adored by his wife, Margy Brooks Reagan and his children, Lily and Brooks. Son of Max Love and Ruth Cameron Reagan, brother to Caroline Polakowski [Craig] and the late Sheryl Maxine Johnson [Wesley], brother-in-law of Teresa, Ann Marie, and Paul [Sandy] Brooks; uncle to Scott and Steve Johnson, and Elizabeth, Caroline, Robert, Jonathan and Emily Brooks. Rex believed that family was the most important thing, and his short lived college boxing days did nothing to dissuade that thought: everyone needs someone in their corner, and you should always be the best teammate you can be. He was so supportive, that he was asked to leave during his daughter’s ice skating lessons for being so loudly supportive, and chafed his hands from clapping so much at his son’s graduations and daughter's recitals. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, The American University and the Naval War College preceded his successful careers in both the federal government and private sector. When he wasn’t busy working or cheering on, his alter ego, James Bond would appear, and in a tuxedo, he filled that role well. His love of mystery novels, a well-tailored suit and his overflowing iPod and Kindle were never far, and neither were his movie quotes, his dance moves or his perpetually shined shoes. ‘It is important to always look and do your best,’ he said, and Rex was the epitome of loyalty and integrity. He spent 26 years in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Commander in the Supply Corps, and he shed tears when he had to retire. Rex constantly reminded his children that Seabees 'Can Do' and refused to take it easy, but he did eventually let his Reagan teammates help him with the heavy lifting. Spending time with Margy was Rex’s favorite activity, as it always included laughter and hand holding. Having spent the last 32 years in love with her, Rex had turned Valentine’s Day into a national holiday and spent significant time when considering what type of card, flowers and gifts to surprise her – with every meaningful moment, he never wasted one. To be loved by Rex Reagan was an honor and a privilege that his family will dearly miss.

We know that he’s sitting in a lovely leather club chair, tapping his feet to Bob Seger, enjoying his favorite Scotch, dressed in a tuxedo and looking every bit the dapper 007.

Due to the current Covid-19 quarantine, internment will be private with a memorial mass and celebration of life planned for a later date. We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Lily B. and Robert C Brooks Spiritual Fund at Gonzaga College High School.