Gerald Antonio Reece, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at his home with his family. Born July 29,1959, in Pittsburg,Texas.
Gerald was a man of his word. He told his basketball buddies on the playground the summer before his high school senior year that he was going to lead the city in scoring and they all laughed but that motivated him even more. He went on to be the Palo Verde high school class of 77, leading scorer for the city of Tucson. His love of basketball took him to William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he led his conference in scoring, he scored 49 points in a game with mid-range and long jump shots (before they had 3 pointers) breaking his school record yet again. He was 1981 All American, 1981 Nations D3 scoring leading 28 ppg avg. William Penn's Hall of Fame Class of 1998. He was the only D3 player invited to the Iowa all star game. After graduation he tried out for the San Diego Clippers. Gerald was not drafted, but this did not slow him down. He went on to counsel troubled youth, owned a bar/restaurant, owned a trucking company (ARACE Trucking, INC.), author and playwright, Real Estate Agent, and AAU Club Coach and Trainer. His most proudest accomplishment was father and husband. He loved his family and cherished every moment he had with them. He also loved helping people, if he noticed someone was in need, stranded on the side of the road, yard work, coaching, you name it, he would help.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Etta and two children, Quincy and Joshua. His mother, Faye, father, Melvin, brother, Ish, sister, Dreeka, niece, Tarra, and great niece, Symona.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 3:00 pm at East Mesa Baptist Church, 752 S Ellsworth Road, Mesa, AZ 85208.