Obituary of Carol Lee Reese

Carol Lee Thompson Reese, 85, widow of Travis Harold Reese, met her Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Surrounded by her family, she passed peacefully at her home in Sumter. Born on April 25, 1936, in Sumter County, she was the daughter of the late Gertrude Bateman Thompson and Ervin Lee Thompson. A 1954 graduate of Sumter High School, Carol spent her early career working for Sumter Pawn Shop, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and F.E. Gibson & Son. She retired from Sumter Machinery Company after decades of service. Carol was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully as a deacon and in many leadership roles over the years. In 2004, Carol was presented with an Honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women and served as treasurer for a number of years. In addition, she served as treasurer for the Presbyterian Women of New Harmony Presbytery until most recently. Carol was also dedicated to many civic organizations including the Evening Pilot Club and Sumter Newcomers Club. She spent numerous years working the concession stands, supporting athletic events and serving on committees at Wilson Hall during her children’s school years. She was very active in many social groups and spent countless afternoons, laughing, talking, and solving the world’s problems over games of bridge, canasta, and dominos. Whenever the family couldn’t reach her, they knew she was somewhere playing cards. More than anything, Carol loved spending time with her family. Affectionately known as “Gimmy” by her grandchildren, her favorite place to be, was on the front row of their sporting events and school activities. Gimmy was their biggest fan. The family wishes to thank her many friends for their love and kindness, as well as MSA Home Health and Hospice, and the staff from At Your Service Home Care for their compassionate care and support over the last several months. She is survived by her son, Ken Reese (Missy) of Sumter and her daughter Kay Reese Webster (Scott) of Marion; and five grandchildren, Meagan Webster Thomas (Korey), Reese Webster, Rachael Webster, TJ Reese, and William Reese. She was preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine Thompson Wilder. A funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Joel Long and Rev. Brian Peake officiating. Burial will follow at Sumter Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Newman, TJ Reese, William Reese, Reese Webster, Korey Thomas, Earle Woodward, Robert Woodward. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, and other times at 605 Portsmouth Drive. Memorials can be made to Pee Dee Academy Booster Club, P.O. Box 449, Mullins, SC 29574 or Wilson Hall Athletic Association, 520 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be made to www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral and Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements