Robert Thomas Reece

Gone but not forgotten. He will live forever in our hearts.

Robert Thomas Reece, "Bob", age 77, of Mount Gilead, North Carolina died at his home on December 28, 2024 surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Ernest Victor Reece, Jr. and Angelina Dominelli Reece. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and attended Central Piedmont Community College and The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

He honorably served as Sergeant in the United States Air Force where he actively worked in the Minuteman Missile Program at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California until his discharge in 1972. Bob later started his career as an insurance agent and financial advisor. He was an astute businessman and implemented a legal services plan with the North Carolina State Bar in 1984 and was proud to say that it was one of the first of its kind. In conjunction with the legal services plan, he founded Legacy Estate Services, Inc., which he co-owned with his wife, Dawn.

Bob met his wife, Dawn, in 1992. He affectionally called her his "True Companion". The song "True Companion" by Marc Cohen has been and will always be THEIR song. Thank you, Marc Cohen, for writing the perfect lyrics!

Bob enjoyed socializing, woodworking, debating politics, fast cars, reading, music and fishing and boating on Lake Tillery. He amazed and touched everyone he met with his intelligence, quick wit, playful sense of humor, ability to "fix" anything and his kind, listening ear. Bob had a soft spot in his heart for his fur baby and loyal, canine companion, Buddy. Buddy picked Bob as HIS person, and they were inseparable.

His favorite role was that of a grandfather, "Poppy", to his beloved grandchildren; Henry, Thomas and Lucy Reece; Max, Sailor and Maeve Rouse. He loved spending time with them at his home on the lake and on his trips to Arizona. They were the lights of his life!

Bob is survived by his cherished wife and soul mate, Dawn Horton Reece; his three sons, Keith Reece (Dan Rue); Ben Reece (Morgan Reece); and Brandon Rouse (Marisa Franco). He was a proud father, and his sons meant the world to him. He always said that you know you have a very special relationship with your sons when you can be both their father and close friend.

He is also survived by his six grandchildren; brothers, Vic Reece (Judy), Ken Reece; sister, Sallie Trapp (Bill); close family members, Sandra Hernandez and Will Alexander; and many extra-special nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Rae Reece Ruppe.

Many thanks go out to all of the special Montgomery Shores neighbors and friends for always being there for Bob and Dawn. Their love, kindness and support will never be forgotten. Gratitude is also extended to the doctors, nurses and staff at Levine Cancer Center for their excellent care and compassion.

To Bob, Dad and Poppy, as Bob always said, "Happy Sleeps"!

A Celebration of Life to honor Bob is being planned for a future date and will be announced.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Reece family.