William James "Bill" Reese

Swannanoa William J. (Bill) Reese, 60, of 1335 Bee Tree Road in Swannanoa, passed from this life into the gates of Heaven on Thursday, November 6, 2008 following an extended illness. He was the son of Vernon J. Reese and his wife Gertie of Asheville and the late Helen Stone Moore. He is survived by his wife, Linda G. Reese; son, Christopher Reese and wife Amy of Swannanoa; daughter, Kimberly Carpenter and husband Justin of Leicester; four grandchildren: Ashley Dianne Reese, Emory Brooke Carpenter, Ciera Kaitlyn Carpenter, and Gavin Christopher Reese; four sisters, one brother, special niece, Jennifer Robinson; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Bill worked as a product manager, account manager, and sales manager during his career with Allis Chalmers, Siemens, Klockner Moeller, Entrelec, and Carlo Gavazzi, selling electrical components, motors and controls. He traveled the Southeast territory and had offices in Charlotte and Atlanta. He was a successful businessman and won many national sales awards. He was a very outgoing person who never met a stranger. As much as he loved his job, he loved spending time at home with his family even more. His grandchildren were precious to him and he valued every moment with them. His presence shaped their lives as well as the lives of his wife, children and anyone else that he came in contact with. His bright, shining eyes, hearty laughter, and beautiful spirit will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Sunday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.