Funeral service will be Sat. March 17, 2018 at 12 noon at Baylous Funeral Home for Mr. Herbert “Pluke” Reese Jr., age 69  of Picayune, Mississippi, who died Sat. March 10, 2018 at Highland Hospital, visitation from 11am until 12 noon, burial in The New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of Baylous Funeral Home.  

Herbert Howard Reese, Jr. (Pluke) was born September 16, 1948, in Picayune, Mississippi, to the late Herbert Howard Reese, Sr. and Vera Delores Reese. He was the oldest of five children. He departed this life Saturday, March 10, 2018. He received his early education from Picayune Public Schools. After graduating from George Washington Carver High School in 1966,

Herbert matriculated to Mississippi Valley State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education in 1971. Later, Herbert moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was employed by Louisville Public Schools (JCPS) as a science, physical education, and an In-School Suspension teacher.

He was an employee of Metro Parks & Recreation Department and Jefferson County Youth Center, a center for incarcerated teens. Even though Pluke worked countless hours and studied to receive his counseling degree at Western Kentucky University, he taught youth beyond the textbook. He could be seen many days coaching a school basketball team, instructing players at a community softball game, or volunteering at a statewide track meet.

Yes, Herbert was truly a youth advocate.

When Herbert left Louisville, Kentucky to help with the care of his aging parents, he left fond memories. From weekend barbecues, festive gumbo pots and crab boils to running to first base with “The Wild Bunch” softball team. Pluke always kept a manicured yard and a spotless car. Cleanliness was a virtue for him. He was a loving “Dad” and grandfather. Despite him working many hours to provide for his family, he set time aside to even teach his wife how to cook and never neglected the care of his children and grandchildren. Pluke had open arms and an open door for all!

Herbert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Picayune, Mississippi under the leadership of Rev. E. L. Fox. While in Kentucky, he attended Moore Temple Church Of God In Christ with his family. His journey in Christ was often inspired by his mother and mother-in-law.

Memories of Herbert H. Reese Jr. will forever be cherished by his wife of 22 years Reneice Reese of Louisville, Kentucky; four sons, William Seller, Atlanta, Georgia, Kevin Fultz Reese, Little Rock, Arkansas, Herbert H. Reese, III and Twaun Bennett of Louisville,Kentucky; two sisters, Rose Mitchell (Vernon) Picayune, Mississippi and Ramona Shaifer of Port Gibson, Mississippi; two brothers, Dennis Reese and Taron Reese, Sr., of Picayune, Mississippi; Seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces,nephews, other relatives, and friends. May he remain forever in our hearts and memories.