Willis Lane Reese, 79, passed away May 20, 2019 while a resident at the Isle of Watercrest in Mansfield, Texas. The Memorial Service will be Friday, May 24th at 2 p.m.at First Baptist Church, Marlin, Texas. Jeff Watkins will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 24th also at the First Baptist Church. Willis Lane Reese was born on June 13, 1939 in Rosebud, Texas. He was the son of Willis R. Reese and Lily E. (Moseley) Reese. After graduating from Rosebud High School, Willis attended Baylor University. He was in the grocery business for forty years. He then began a career as the Administrator of Falls Community Hospital and Clinic from 1996 to 2017. Willis served his church, First Baptist in many ways—as a member, a Deacon and served on various committees. Willis received several awards including the recipient of the Parrish / Goddard award in 1991 and then again in 2002, Chamber of Commerce Retailer of the Year in 1991, Sam Walton Business Leader in 1996, Citizen of the Year in 1997, Chamber of Commerce President's Award in 2000 and Chamber of Commerce Business Professional in 2002.

Willis also served on the Board of Directors for Affiliated Food Stores, President of the Marlin Chamber of Commerce, Member of Marlin City Council, President of the Marlin Rotary Club, President of the Marlin Civic Center, Director of Texas Retail Grocers Association of Austin, President of the Heart of Texas Retail Grocery Association, and served on the Legislative Committee with the Texas Association of the Workforce Board.

He loved his wife of 39 years, Joyce Elizabeth (Griffin) Reese. Willis was so proud of his family. He was loved by so many because he loved and cared for many, whether it was his Kash-Way grocery employees and customers, Falls Community Hospital- Clinic employees and patients, fellow church members, Marlin residents, friends and family.

Burial will be at Powers Chapel Cemetery in Rosebud, Texas