Leonard Lee Reese Jr., the father of State Del. Gary A. Reese, died Aug. 11 at the Fairfax Nursings Center. He was 83 years old.
Leonard Lee Reese Jr. was a government executive who worked in the Office of the President under seven presidents. He received the Outstanding Performance Award, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Office of the President, for his work.
Reese was considered a pioneer for his work in opening up Cape Canaveral. He was one of the first in the Ford administration to deal with the terrorism issue.
He was a past president of the Fairfax City Noon-Day Optimist Club 1985 to 1986 and received their excellence award.
He is also survived by his wife, Ruby Livingston "Livia" Reese, his daughter-in-law Carol Reese, and his grandson Alan Reese and his wife Brooke, and his grandaughter Shelley Reese.
The family will receive friends at the Everly Funeral Home at 10565 Main St., Fairfax, on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 7 p.m. until the service at 7:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax VA 22030.