James Reece

James Elton "Bud" Reece NORTHPORT, James Elton ""Bud"" Reece, age 90, of Northport, was reunited with his wife, Mattie Reece, and welcomed into his Savior's arms on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospice. Services will be 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North with the Rev. Tim Baumgarten officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral. Military burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be on Friday, June 9, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Nannie Reece; two brothers, Thomas Heath and W.H. ""Dub"" Reece; and two sisters, Louise Watson, and Flossie Beck. Survivors include his daughter, Wanda G. Reece; son, James W. "Sonny" Reece (Juliet); grandchildren, Ben Reece (Kerri) and Morgan Reece Stacy (Evan); and great-grandchildren, Gabe Reece, Carson Reece, Larken Reece, Drake Stacy and Ellison Stacy; and step-grandchild, Olivia Hobbs. Mr. Reece was born in Elrod on May 18, 1927. He was one of the last World War II Veterans, serving in the United States Navy in Hawaii, receiving the Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Medal. Later, he served in the United States Army in the Korean War, receiving the KSM with two Bronze Service Stars while receiving totally service-connected disability as a result. He nearly died several times while in active duty. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America and Foreign Veterans of America. He also worked for a long time for Gulf States Paper. After his service, he met and married his wife of 58 years, Mattie Lou Keating Reece. Their family was their top priority other than their love for Christ. Not expecting to be able to have children, they were blessed with a daughter and son. Most importantly, Mr. Reece lived his testimony for Jesus Christ through every day of his life. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church in Northport for 60 years, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher and Administrator. As a result of his dedication and persistence, at least one young man was saved and became a preacher, as well as others who still remember his influence on their Christian lives. In addition, he loved baseball, Alabama Football, fishing, and hunting with his family, including his nieces and nephews, who he loved as if they were his own children. He and his wife were always helping others. Pallbearers will be Ben Reece, Gabe Reece, Evan Stacy, Dwight Barger, Bryne Wilson, Shaun McAteer and Jay Kelley. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Kevin Katona, Dr. Winfield Fisher, Veterans Association Hospice Dr. Sarah Fulghum, Jessie Mae Tilley, Tony Bresnehen, and other friends, family and neighbors.