Morris Marcus Reese Jr., 82, of San Angelo, Texas, moved on to his next great adventure on September 28, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Born May 12, 1943, to Morris Marcus Reese Sr. and Mildred Ozelle Nickelson Reese, Morris—affectionately known as “Butch”—grew up in Cotulla, Texas, and carried a lifelong pride in his roots.
A die-hard Longhorn, he graduated from the University of Texas in 1966 and went on to earn his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1969. While in law school, he met the love of his life, Anne Bayard Sykes.
The two married on March 15, 1969, beginning a partnership that spanned more than five decades. Their marriage brought companionship, adventure, and extended family who became an inseparable part of their lives. Morris began practicing law in Laredo in 1969, where he and Anne welcomed their two daughters.
In 1981, the family moved to San Angelo, where Morris became a partner in the firm Gossett, Harrison, Reese & Wilson. He practiced there for the remainder of his distinguished legal career, retiring in 2009.
Morris lived with integrity and earned the deep respect of clients, colleagues, and his community. Beyond his profession, Morris lived with purpose, curiosity, and adventure. He was a marathon runner, cyclist, and tennis player, and enthusiastically supported his daughters’ athletic pursuits.
For many years, he loved to spend time as a volunteer timer for the San Angelo Central High School track team. He served on several boards, including the West Texas Boys Ranch, and as president of the San Angelo Country Club and participated in the Stribling Art Extravaganza planning committee.
He also established a continuing annual scholarship, The Morris and Ozelle Reese Scholarship, for graduating seniors at San Angelo Central and Lake View High Schools. In retirement, Morris discovered new passions that deeply enriched the rest of his life. He sailed around the world with Anne and dear friends, and later found a love of painting the landscapes of West Texas and Big Bend.
Guided by mentors Hugh Campbell, Raul Ruiz, and Jimmy Don Cox, and studying under nationally recognized artists, he became an accomplished plein air painter. He was a signature member of the American Plains Artists and also belonged to Oil Painters of America, the Outdoor Painters Society, and the Austin Plein Air Society.
Morris was a true renaissance man—equally at home with a paintbrush in hand, sailing across the globe, or two-stepping on a dance floor. He loved Longhorn football and sports as much as art and sailing, carrying a spirit of curiosity and adventure into all he did.
Though he was never the first to want to attend the party, he was always the most fun once there—his sharp wit and dry humor made him unforgettable. He embodied both humility and brilliance, wisdom and generosity, leaving everyone better for having known him.
Morris is preceded in death by his parents, Morris Marcus Reese Sr and his Mother Ozelle Nickelson Reese, and cousins, Neal and Janet Kerr.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Anne; daughters Elizabeth “Nickie” Nickelson Haine and husband Christopher John Haine and their children Zachary O’Byrne Haine, Samuel Morris Tweedy Haine, and August Marcus Haine; Rachel Reese Trulove and husband Michael Andrew Trulove and their children Reese James Trulove and Reagan Elizabeth Trulove; Craig Yates and wife Colleen Glass Yates and their children Cara and Cameron Yates, cousin Ted Kerr and wife Kathy Kerr and their children Reese, Marcus and Scott Kerr and their families.
Morris lived for his family, worked tirelessly from a young age, and filled every room with humor and warmth. His love, laughter, and sharp tongue will be missed beyond words.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 3 S. Randolph St., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Ozelle and Morris Reese Scholarship Fund https://saaf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1374
