Ray Ona Reese

Ray Ona Reese passed away at his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina December 22nd, 2014. Ray was born May 26, 1928 in Purcell, Oklahoma to Claude and Bertha (Wood) Reese. Ray joined the U.S. Army Air Corp toward the end of WWII, and was a decorated officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He met his wife Barbara (Moore), while stationed at Ft Belvoir, VA. Never letting the dust settle, Ray and Barbara lived in Springfield, VA,, Los Angeles, CA, Tampa, FL, Manassas, VA, and in Shady Point, Ok before retiring to Myrtle Beach, SC. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lavon, Barbara, Betty, Dorothy, and brothers Dale, Wayne and Claude, and by his daughter Darby (Reese) Jones.

Ray never met a stranger, loved to tell stories and generously volunteered his time and services. For many years in Manassas, he regularly visited nursing homes offering free haircuts to the residents. After moving to Myrtle Beach, with guitar in hand, he visited a nursing home on Sunday's, playing gospel music with the residents.

A successful entrepreneur, Ray owned The Star Barber Shop in Manassas, and Reese Paving Company in Oklahoma. He was a man of learning and a dedicated problem solver. He was an airplane and auto mechanic, a door to door salesman, real estate broker and business owner, all of which gave him the skills he needed to be a loving husband and father to his four children. He enjoyed playing and singing music at home and at church. Ray and Barbara were members of gospel quartets in Virginia and Oklahoma.

Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years Barbara, daughter Raenita (Bobby New) of Manassas, VA, and Debbie Reese of Myrtle Beach, SC and son Ronald of Fredericksburg, VA, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at11:30AM Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia with viewing preceding the service at 10:30AM. Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery directly following the service.