Robert "Bobby" Saverance Reese

The life and times of Robert Saverance "Bobby" Reese, Jr. began with a loud bang in Florence, SC on August 6, 1945, (the day of the A-Bomb) and ended peacefully with his loving wife, Peggy, and his daughters in Mt. Pleasant, SC, on August 10, 2018.

Bobby was the only child of Robert S. Reese, Sr., of Forest City, NC and Lila Mae (Gem) Sanders of Barnwell, SC. He listened intently to his parents and others and learned the good graces needed to become a genuine southern gentleman. He dressed appropriately for the occasion, was a top chef, a superb champion golfer, could trip a dance floor's light fantastic and had a clever, engaging sense of humor which he mischievously used on occasion.

Bobby attended almost all of Florence's public schools, earned the Eagle Scout badge and graduated from McClenaghan High School where he was a member of the much-celebrated Yellow Jacket golf team. In 1963, Bobby entered Stetson University in Deland, FL where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, an All-Conference golfer, Captain of the golf team and Vice President of the Scabbard and Blade military society. He also met there his wife of 21 years, Mary, and mother of four, Michael, Taylor, Cynthia, and Patty.

At Stetson's graduation, Bobby was commissioned as an Army Lieutenant and later become CO of Alpha Company, 1/509 Abn-Mech, 8th Infantry Division, Robert E. Lee Barracks in Mainz, Germany. He was also a Jumpmaster with 43 jumps that included ones with other NATO countries in Spain, Greece, Germany, and France.

After military service, Reese returned to Alexandria, VA, where he began a 40-year career as a Federal Government Relations operative with the American Trucking Associations and Philip Morris Companies, Inc. He's often been asked to write a book about his lobbying exploits but always answers, "first thing I learned in DC was never put it writing."

A most rewarding part of his life was father to his four kids; Patty, Cynthia, Taylor, Michael and "G-Daddy" to five grandchildren. Michael Reese (Sue), Senna and Tayson live in New York City. Taylor (Kristen), daughters Ava and Ella, live in Midlothian, VA and Cynthia Reese Sachtjen (Brian), Nora and Gabe, reside in Apex, NC. Patty Reese lives in Holmes Beach, FL and each one brings much to the table. Thanksgiving is a most memorable time.

In 1996, Bobby was introduced to Peggy Hanna from Myrtle Beach who changed his life forever. Although rapidly approaching Hurricane Bertha shortened their first encounter to a mere 45 minutes, the second lasted four hours, resulted in closing Anson's Restaurant and an agreement to pursue their newly-formed relationship. During Bobby's absence in DC, Peggy would visit and comfort daily his terminally ill Dad. Later in 1996, Bobby, while on bended knee, asked Vera Hanna, Peggy's mother, for permission to marry.

On the eve of the wedding in early April, 1997, a golf tournament for guests was played at Dunes West Golf Course and the male and female winners were awarded previously worn coats and unused tickets to the upcoming US Open at Congressional CC in Washington. Following the wedding tourney, all guests attended a BBQ dinner and dance featuring The East Coast Party Band, watched the Hale Bopp Comet fly overhead and to meet, unexpectedly, half of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. At 5:00 PM the following day, the couple exchanged vows at Lowndes Grove Plantation in downtown Charleston when their new and magical life began.

Throughout his life, Robert was fortunate to have made numerous lasting friends; the world is just a little sadder and not as much fun without him. As he would say in his favorite goodbye or sign-off, "LOVE YOU, MEAN IT, TAKE CARE".

Visitation will be Monday, August 13th, 2018, 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Stuhr Funeral Home, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.