My Life, Absolutely
Dr. Calvin Reese
Born in Faught, Texas to parents James and Julia Reese on December 18, 1925, Dr. Calvin Reese was the youngest boy in a family of nine children. Dr. Reese frequently spoke lovingly and respectfully of his father and mother who traveled from Wedowee, Alabama to Paris, Texas with a community of family and friends to build a better life. Affectionately known as "June," Calvin and his siblings, A.J., Essex, Thurman, Berlin, Kermit, Alma, Gaynell, and Pershing, diligently worked alongside their parents on their 100-acre, successful cotton farm in Paris, Texas.
After serving in Germany for the United States Army during WWII, Dr. Reese enrolled and graduated from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in History. As a student at Wiley College, he was the manager of the football team and in 1948 began his lifelong membership in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He furthered his education by obtaining a Masters of Art in History from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Along with his wife, Mrs. Berdine Nealy Reese, and young family, Dr. Reese traveled to Washington, D.C. to continue research for his doctoral dissertation at the Library of Congress. He received his Ph.D. in History in 1963 from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Reese began his professional career at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. After serving on the faculty of Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, he was recruited by Dr. J. Reuben Sheeler to join the faculty at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, and was promoted to Chairman of the Department of History, Geography and General Studies. He served on the Board of Directors for the TSU Credit Union. As an avid football enthusiast, he became the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative for the TSU football team.
Dr. and Mrs. Reese were active and vocal members of the Houston civic and religious community for decades. Dr. Reese served as a campaign manager for political campaigns and as trustee for St. Mary's United Methodist Church. Dr. Reese diligently studied to provide historical and geographical context for his long-standing Sunday School classes at St. Mary's United Methodist Church. Dr. and Mrs. Reese were generous philanthropists throughout their lives, and contributed to the United Negro College Fund, The United Methodist Church, Wiley College, Creighton University, the University of Southern California, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Throughout his life, Dr. Calvin Reese treasured and voraciously read thousands of books dedicated to history, politics and religion, and spent innumerable hours passionately discussing these books with colleagues and friends. He lived his life on his terms, in service to others and always honored the lessons and values instilled by his loving parents.
Dr. Reese passed away peacefully in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, siblings and loving wife. He is survived by his daughters, Mrs. Karen Kyle and Vicki Reese, M.D., seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, and extended family.
We would like to thank the family members and friends that provided genuine care, comfort and encouragement throughout his life and continue to honor his legacy.