Earnest Reese

Earnest Reese , a lifelong resident of Bastrop County, was born in the small community of Sayers in Bastrop, Texas, the seventh child of thirteen to the late Isom and Viola Reese on September 11, 1922.

Growing up with a strong Christian foundation, Earnest accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Big Sandy Creek. Earnest attended the public schools of Bastrop County. He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend E. R. McShan and Reverend R, W, Carter, serving until his death. He was the oldest member and was affectionately called the Father of the church.

In 1943, Earnest was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Persilar Wilson and this union was blessed with five children. He later united in marriage to the late Minnie Lee Washington.

Earnest was a self-made master carpenter, building many homes, business building and churches throughout the state and surrounding area, including but not limited to Austin. You can see some of his work throughout the city, such as the Greater Mount Vernon Zion AME Church in Elgin, Judea Baptist in Granger and his apprentice said, “If he had a penny for every nail he hammered, he would be a billionaire.”

In his early years, Earnest sang with a gospel quartet, the Elgin Silver Tone. Earnest displayed a passion for gardening, raising greyhounds and carpentry.

Earnest spent his lifetime caring, building, and repairing for his family. At the age of 95, he was called from labor to rest on February 16, 2018. Waiting in heaven, Earnest will join his beloved parents, five sisters – Mary, Dovie, Narcissus, Ida, and Omega; four brothers – Sam, Earl, Ruben, and Isom, Jr.; two wives, two children – Lonnie and Alvin Ray, and two step-children.

After seeing five generations, Earnest’s loving memories will linger in the hearts of his beloved children: Billy Reese and his wife, Lillie of Coupland, Doris Jean Williams of Sayers, Bernette, and her husband, Lonzo Smith of Elgin; two daughters in law, Hester Reese, and Scylester Rose Reese both of Elgin; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Ivory Flowers of Elgin, Viola Faye Goodwin of Bastrop, and Ruth Marie and her husband, Mose Harden of Austin, nieces, nephews and cousins spreading to four and five generations; his extended family Patricia Carter, Andrew, Larry, Johnny Lee, Darnell, Herman, Bryan and Louis Ray Washington and a host of friends, including the Pleasant Hill Church family.

Mr. Earnest Reese, Daddy, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend, that Child of God – you will truly be missed… for your legacy is priceless

Under the auspices of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Reverend, R.W. Carter Officiating.