Raymond William Reese

Ray was born January 9, 1970 in Salinas, California to Robert R. Reese Sr. and Olive Dianne Merrill Gitz.

Raymond is survived by his daughter RaeAnna Suzanne Reese and son Zachary William Reese; his mother O Dianne Gitz; step-father Mitchell Gitz; step-mother Ellie Reese; brothers Robert R Reese Jr. and Richard M Reese; Aunt LouAnn D Mates; plus several nieces, nephews and step brothers. He is preceded in death by his father Robert R Reese Sr. and grandparents Manuel Garcia and Margaret Schafer Reese Garcia and grandfather, William C. Merrill.

Ray grew up in San Jose, California, Ray was the poster boy for the Juvenile Diabetes Society 1974-75. He loved mountain biking, jet skiing, exploring the desert and cooking.

Ray graduated from Gunderson High School in 1988. He graduated from the California Culinary Institute, located in San Francisco, California on April 20, 2002.

Ray's passion was cooking and developing his own recipes. Ray cooked for his kids and family everyday and it never failed to be plated in perfection. Ray would spend his weekends videoing and taking amazing photos of his dishes he prepared for himself.

He had many boxer dogs over the years that he loved to take to the desert and lakes. He even had a boxer that would jet ski with him.

Ray shared scriptures of salvation with anyone who would listen and prayed for those who did not listen to him. Especially family members.

Please leave a photo and special memories you have of Ray. These memories will be placed in a special memory album for his family.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Palm Southwest Mortuary.

There will be a special memorial service to be held in California at a later date and announcements will be released.

Please enjoy our loving thoughts about our dad and son

Dad was a selfless father. He would cook the most amazing meals for us, even when he was sick.

He always took the opportunity to teach us his favorite recipes.

Dad and I loved to watch and discuss sports together; especially the 49ers, Giants and Golden State Warriors games. - Zach

As a teen, Ray loved to jet ski, and swim.

Ray loved selflessly and unconditionally.

Dad was so funny. He would always tell us, "I remember everything" and he did.

Ray would message me weekly church services from his favorite pastor, Pastor Paul. He would ask me to listen to it, then we would have a lively discussion. I heard the same statement from friends. - mom

Dad and his friend Bill would frequently go to the desert to explore new areas to take the dogs to run, then they would explore new restaurants. -Bill

Dad loved to embarrass us when he dropped us off to school. He would call us funny names by saying real loud "bye Gertrude, or Sleepyhead Magilicutty, or Princess, have a good day"

Ray loved the Lord. He often thought about salvation and shared it with others. Below is an excerpt from a letter he sent to a very close family member.

Romans 10:9 "If you confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

When witnessing, Ray wrote, the term "Born Again" means being born again through the Holy Spirit, is the single best thing in the universe. It is all about the way you act after being "Born Again.

Ray, you are now in the arms of Jesus. Be at peace. We love you very much and you'll always be in our hearts and minds. I'm blessed to have been your mom.

Thank you for being our dad and always teaching us to follow the Lord. You will always be remembered.