James Mark Reese

James Mark Reese of Oxford, NC, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the age of 72. He was born in Halifax County, VA, on February 18, 1951, to the late Harvey Milton Reese and the late Rosa Seamons Reese. James worked for 27 years at the cotton mill and after retiring, worked an additional 17 years as a mechanic at Altec. He will be remembered to many as a coach and mentor who loved the game of softball. James was an avid Elvis fan, enjoyed working out in the yard with his friend, Tom “Pop” Matthews, and having a cigar on his front porch. His family will cherish many fond memories including his joy in “winning” at card games.

James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betsy Cox Reese; children, Melinda Reese Pritchett (Bill), Melissa Reese Talley (Randy) and Kathy Reese Watkins (Dyrl); grandchildren, Drew Talley, Hunter Talley, Cam Pritchett, Shelby Talley, Bailey Watkins, Savannah Talley, Greyson Watkins and Cole Pritchett and great grandchildren, Jackson Talley and Mila Talley.  He is also survived by siblings, Henry Reese, Faye Clayton and Wayne Reese; sister-in-law, Shelia Reese Parham and several beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Ronnie Reese, Frankie Reese, Wilma Lacks, Geraldine Clay and Kathleen Reese.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home with burial to follow in Hiteburg Baptist Church cemetery. The Dr. Randy Bridges and Reverend Terry Howard will officiate the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service and all other times at the home.

Those wishing to make donations, the family requests donations be considered to Duke HomeCare & Hospice, Hock Family Pavilion, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 100, Durham, NC 27704 or online at https://www.givetodukeathome.org.

Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Reese family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.watkinscooperlyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.