Pastor Arthur Reece

James Arthur Reece Jr. was born to Sarah Addison Reece and James Reece on March 13, 1947 in Marietta, Ga. He passed away on April 8,2018 at the age of 71 years old. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and loving family. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in the chapel of Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, Marietta Chapel. Burial will be in Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8pm at the funeral home as well as one hour prior to the service. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle Reece, and four amazing children; Lorrie Goodbread and husband Tim, Sherrie Haynie, James Reece, and Deborah Sommer and husband Warren. He had three sisters whom he loved dearly; Ann Reece Douglass and husband Duane, Louise Reece Rogers, and Diana Reece Chambers Adams,and husband Doug. He had seven grandchildren: Heather Goodbread, Hannah Goodbread Murphy and her husband Jonathan, Timothy Goodbread and his wife Nicki, Lyndon Haynie, Caleb Haynie, Jonathan Sommer, and Lily Sommer, and 4 great grand children: Damiao Goodbread Fonseca, Ezekiel Murphy, Levi Murphy, and Benjamin Cook. He was very close to each of his children and grandchildren and had a special relationship with each one. In addition he leaves behind brother and sister in laws, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Arthur and Gayle met at church as teenagers when Gayle was 15 years old and Arthur was 17 years old. They fell in love and began a life long love story. They married right after Gayle graduated from high school in August of 1966. For those of you who know Gayle and Arthur, you know they were truly happy, in love, inseparable and completely devoted to one another in every way, through good times and bad, in sickness and in health. Theirs were two lives who became one. Arthur was called to preach at an early age, and Gayle shared his love of God and supported him in his ministry. They were not only husband and wife, but two parts of a whole. They enjoyed spending time together and with family, taking weekend trips together, spending time with kids and grandkids. They were married for over 51 years and were blessed to be able to celebrate their Golden 50th wedding anniversary in 2016. Arthur was a man of great knowledge. He loved to study the Word of God and spent many hours reading scripture and preparing sermons. He never tired of spreading the good news of the gospel. He started the Gospel of Christ Ministry and helped to send Bibles to support missions in Africa. Arthur became the Pastor of Austin Avenue Baptist Church, where he enjoyed serving for the last 16 years of his life. Arthur had many talents and gifts. God blessed him a sharp intellect, artistic abilities, a beautiful singing voice, and a quick wit and sense of humor. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a precious brother, and a faithful friend. He lived his life humbly and unassumingly, spoke in a quiet voice, and he never spoke an unkind word. He devoted his life to his ministry and doing things for others, but never wanted any recognition. He was an inspiration to his family and to everyone who knew him. The way Arthur led his life is a reflection of Christ’s love. We will miss Arthur forever here on earth, but we know that God keeps his promises and he has promised that we will see him again. We can take comfort in knowing that Arthur will hear these words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Austin Ave. Baptist Church, 94 Austin Avenue, Marietta, GA 30060.

Pastor Arthur Reece

March 13, 1947 - April 8, 2018