Dr. Woody Jene Reese Sr. passed away on Saturday, November 25 ^th , 20017. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 28 ^th at 11:00 a.m. at Cochran's Funeral Home with Pastor James Whittlesey officiating. Internment will follow at the Bennett Cemetery in Groveton, Texas. Visitation at Cochran's will be November 28 ^th from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Woody was born February 22, 1935 in Groveton, Texas to James Seaborn and Ethel Roach Reese. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as brother James and sister in law Velma Reese, and Brother in law and sister in law J.C. and Odessa Whittlesey. Woody graduated Salutatorian from Groveton High School in 1953. After graduation Woody attended Sam Houston State University until 1955. He then continued his education at the University of Texas Dental Branch of Houston. He married the love of his life, Wanda Nadine Whittlesey in 1957 while attending Dental School. He graduated from The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1959 where he remained on staff for one year as an instructor. He and the family moved to Livingston, Texas and began a dental practice which served the community for the next 52 years. A very industrious man, Woody not only operated a dental clinic in the city of Livingston, but also operated an additional clinic every Wednesday afternoon at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian reservation for his first ten years of practice. He was also a Real Estate Broker operating his own company for many years. He served on the Livingston School Board and was active in numerous organizations including Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Dental Societies, and numerous other organizations. He loved the outdoors including hunting, fishing and golf. Woody retired in 2011 and was subsequently inducted into the Groveton High School Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his Wife, Wanda Nadine Whittlesey Reese, son Dr. Woody J. Reese Jr. and wife Edna of Waco, daughter Shirla Nadine Horn and husband Larry of Livingston and Son Dr. James Craig Reese Sr. and wife Sherry of Bahrain. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Horn and wife Gail of Spring, Amber McKellar and husband Kevin of Porter, Lindsey Jene Reese of Kansas City, Missouri, Jennifer Nicole Reese of Dallas, James Craig Reese Jr. of Bahrain, and Zachary Wilson of Livingston. He is survived by his great grandchildren, William Mckellar, Anastasia McKellar, Alexander Horn, and Wesley Horn. He is survived by his niece Jeannie Reese Lowery of Lufkin, Nephews James Whittlesey and wife Darlene of Apple Springs and Larry Whittlesey and wife Terri of Groveton, and numerous other great nieces and nephews.

Woody will be remembered as an honest, loving, and generous man. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him. A special thank you to the staff at Bradford at Brookside, Kindred Hospice, Dr. Ray Luna, and Helen Henderson for there wonderful and faithful care giving efforts.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jack Jackson, Ward Jones, Joe Thomas, Claude Thomas, Don Wier, Craig Reese Jr, and Livingston Lions Club

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you please make donations to the Children's Ministry of Central Baptist Church – Livingston and Gideon's International.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com