Ray Reese (1948–2026)
Ray Reese, a combat veteran, skilled craftsman, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully after a life defined by adventure, service, and an enduring commitment to his community.
Born in 1948 in Somerset, Kentucky, Ray’s childhood was spent in motion, moving frequently as the son of a service member. He came into his own at Frankfurt American High School in Germany, where he excelled as varsity wrestler.
Upon returning to the States, Ray worked at the Newport News shipyard before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War in 1969 and saw significant combat through his deployment.
After his service, Ray embraced the freedom of the road, hitchhiking across the United States with his brother, Greg. Their journey eventually led them to Nova Scotia, where Ray witnessed a total solar eclipse. It was there he met Jennifer Kieran. Together, they built a homestead near Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, where Ray worked as a welder and blacksmith, followed by a move to Ottawa, Canada, in 1981.
In 1986, Ray returned to the U.S., settling in Munfordville, Kentucky. He became a fixture of the community, opening a recycling business and serving as a Town Councilor. It was during this time that Ray made a life-changing commitment to Alcoholics Anonymous; his decades of hard-won sobriety remained one of his proudest achievements.
In 1992, he moved to Louisville to work for the Veterans Administration, eventually retiring there. A natural "joiner," Ray’s social circle was vast. Whether it was the Lions Club, the DAV, or local flower clubs, Ray was always looking for a way to connect and contribute.
In 2016, Ray moved to Bedford, New Hampshire, to be near his children and grandchildren. Known as a fixture on the sidelines, he was hard-pressed to ever miss a sports practice or a game. His final years were spent under the compassionate care of the staff at Villa Crest Nursing Home, to whom the family owes a profound debt of gratitude.
Ray was predeceased by: his mother, Bertha (Redford) Reese; his sister Linda (Reese) DuKor and her husband Paul DuKor; and his brother, Mark Reese.
Ray is survived by: his Father, Jesse Reese; his siblings, sister Pam (Reese) Copeland and her husband Jack and brother Greg Reese and his wife Julia; his family, former wife Jennifer Kieran and her partner Carl Aboud; his children, Jody Reese and his spouse Amy and Gabriel Reese; his grandchildren, Jacob, Jane, Jack, and James Reese. Ray also leaves behind a wide network of friends and extended family who shared in his wit, his stories, and his kindness.
Services: a funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11 AM followed by burial at St. Bernard’s cemetery. Dinner will be served after the service.
St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, (Clementsville) 5075 State Hwy 551, Liberty, KY.