Ronald Reese

Ronald “Big Ronnie” Reese gained his heavenly wings on May 16, 2023, at Truman Medical Center. He was born October 27, 1949, to Edward and Leona Reese. He was the twelfth child of twelve. He was preceded: in death by both parents, nine brothers Oliver Lynn, Harvey Lee, Edward Jr, Clifford (Red), Ernest, Curtis, Clayton (KK), Duane (Killer) and Gary Reese; two sisters Shirlyne and Dianne, and a niece Charita Reese- Thomas.

He received his education from the Kansas City Missouri School District and was a lifelong area resident.

From a very young age Big Ronnie was a talented carpenter building a 2-story clubhouse with wall-to-wall carpeting at only 12 years old.  He we grow that God-given gift into a life of carpentry, building decks, and home additions for hundreds of people throughout the city. He was very athletic, playing all three sports. His favorite of them all was playing quarterback with his friends in Kansas park.  A few of his hobbies were painting portraits and working jigsaw puzzles.  He loved playing dominoes and Bid whist, pitching horseshoes and having Chiefs tailgate parties with family and friends.

Big Ronnie was a great dancer and would dazzle everyone around when he would breakout into his James Brown Dance impersonation. He was the Sargent at arms of the social organization (The Group) which held parties at the Party House and many picnics around the city. He was a master on the grill and made the best Salmon Croquettes in the world. One of his favorite meals was Chicken and Dressing and Cranberry sauce.

He worked for Parade Park Holmes as Maintenance Supervisor until he retired in December of 2021. Big Ronnie was also a great mentor to all of his nieces and nephews, teaching everyone (especially the boy) how to fix things, or how to play chess. If you needed something designed, fixed, built, remodeled, he was the man.

Big Ronnie was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church until his passing.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: three sisters-in-law, Ruby Reese, Jean Reese, and Allie B Reese all of Kansas City, 31 nieces and nephews, and 52 great nieces and nephews, a dear friend Glenda Hill and a host of other friends and relatives.

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