Alvin “Davis” Reece, Jr. 78

Published 8:59 am Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Alvin “Davis” Reece, Jr. 78, of Jonesboro, Georgia passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, in Jonesboro, GA. He was born on March 13, 1947, in Tazewell, TN. He was the husband of Rebecca Rose Reece for 58 years of devoted marriage. Davis was preceded in death by his parents Alvin Davis Reece, Sr. and Bobbie Dalton Reece. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sunny Reece Bunch. Davis is survived by his loving wife Rebecca Rose Reece. His children Alvin Davis Reece III, and Amy Reece Keeney (Salyer Keeney). He was the very proud Papaw to four grandchildren: Alvin Davis Reece IV, Kasey Rose Keeney, Kourtney Rebecca Keeney, and Katelyn Reece Keeney. Davis is also survived by his younger brother and close confidant Mike Reece. Brother-in-law (Dennis Bunch). Davis grew up in Claiborne County, Tennessee where he enjoyed playing sports and scored the first ever touchdown for a 73-yard kickoff return for Claiborne County High School in 1964. He also loved the outdoors and earned the highest honor as an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1966. He returned to his roots and followed his father’s legacy as Funeral Director and Mortician at Reece Funeral Home (Tazewell) and later became the proprietor of the business (Reece Funeral Home & Valley Chapel in Harrogate). He married his high school sweetheart and raised his family in Claiborne County. He enjoyed coaching youth sports in the community and sponsored the Reece Rockets basketball team. He served as a city councilman and mayor of Tazewell. He supported the University of Tennessee football as a longtime ticket holder and often took friends to games and shared numerous tickets with others so they could experience the climatic atmosphere of Neyland Stadium. Also, he supported the activities at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU). He was a certified Fifty-year member of Chapter 232, Order of the Eastern Star State of Tennessee, a Mason and Shriner. Davis was recognized for 50 years of service from the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. He was an avid angler and was said to have caught the “Big One” out on Norris Lake with his fishing pal Don “Hawk” Myers years ago. He often traveled to Lake Erie where he’d fish for his favorite catch, the Walleye. The stories of fishing were countless although some may have been half-truths were entertaining, nonetheless. He enjoyed the camaraderie and serenity that only tranquil waters offer. Davis was truly the Undertakers’ Undertaker. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family and cherished memories. Davis will be buried at the Old Irish Cemetery on May 3, 2025. Friends and family are invited to meet at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. to proceed to the cemetery. Pastor Wade Hall from Jonesboro, GA will preside over his eulogy. The bluegrass band Tennessee 90 will play at his graveside. Pallbearers include Alvin Reece IV, Alex Reece, Alan Michael Reece, Travis Gibson, Zachery Bunch, and Bruce Myers. Honorary Pallbearers include Bill Russell, Don Myers, Denny Peters, Ken Nixon, Dr. Charles A. Moore, Larry Stanifer, and Roger Beason. Arnette & Steele Valley Chapel is honored to serve the Reece family and invites you to view and sign the online registry. Alvin Davis Reece 1947-2025