12/13/2017
In Remembrance of
Col Wendell Oliver “Von” Reece
Birth: 27 Jun 1923, Rule, Haskell County, Texas
Death: 13 Dec 2000, Austin, Travis County, Texas
Von (Wendell O.) Reece "Uncle Von, World's Greatest One-Eyed Auctioneer" was born on 27 Jun 1923 in Rule, Haskell County, Texas to Oscar Erastus and Peruvia Jane Ellis Reece. Von passed away on December 13, 2000. He was 77. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Connie Morgan Reece; daughters Connie Lavon Reece and Laurie Jan Reece, both of Austin; and brothers D. A. (Pat) Reece and wife, Merle, of Weatherford, Texas, and Edwin Reece and wife, Jessica, of Brentwood, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Reece; brothers Jesse Reece and Steve Casey; and sisters Sarah Ellsworth and Grace McMahen.
A resident of Austin for over 47 years, Von was a well known and respected auctioneer and automobile dealer until his retirement in 1992. The family business, Von Reece & Daughters, conducted antique and collector car auctions across Texas and in several other states. Von attracted a loyal following of customers because of his outgoing personality and high business standards.
In 1942, at age 18, Von was the youngest radio announcer in the state of Texas, working for KSKY in Dallas. He later worked for KTHT in Houston, where his afternoon program was a big hit with teenagers. He became an auctioneer in 1950 and over the years owned or operated wholesale auto auctions in San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Brownwood, and Austin.
Family and faith were the guiding principles of his life, and church was always a priority for Von. In the 1950s he was a founding member and served on the executive board of the Church of Glad Tidings. In the 1960s he helped organize the Austin chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International and also helped plant another church, Memorial Chapel Assembly of God, with his brother-in-law Rev. Hubert Ratliff.
In 1993 the Reece family became charter members of Calvary Worship Center, where Von also served on the original board of elders. Until failing health prevented him from attending services, he was there every Sunday with a winning smile and a friendly hug. Pastor Bill Vanderbush and the church family offered encouragement and support throughout his illness.
Although he spent the last few years of his life battling a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, Von never lost the sense of humor for which he was famous. The Reece family would like to thank the exceptionally capable and kind workers and volunteers at Hospice Austin and Christopher House for their compassionate care, especially Onette Tuch, Bob Victor, Carolyn Shirley, Dr. Bill Mebane, Father Chris Hines, and Rubin Martinez.
“We do not . . . grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. . . . And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thess. 4:13–14, 17 NIV).
The family will receive visitors on Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at Cook Walden (N. Lamar); memorial service at Cook Walden on Saturday at 2:00 P.M. Officiating: Pastor Bill Vanderbush and Rev. Ron Rae, Von’s beloved nephew and caregiver during his final months. Pallbearers: nephew Roger Ratliff; grandnephews Brent Rae and Bart Barton; namesake and godson Joe Von Cronin; and special friends Troy Mansfield and Rick Cramer. Honorary pallbearers: nephew David Thornton, namesake and great-grandnephew Cutter Reece Horne, and friend Rick Cronin.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers should direct them to Hospice Austin Christopher House, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.
Source: Roger Prince
