Robert Eugene Reese, 84, of Jacksonville, IL, died Friday, November 3, 2023, at The Grove Nursing & Rehab Center.

He was born April 19, 1939, in Jacksonville, the son of Wilbert Reese and Arola Black. Robert married Lisa Slater on August 25, 1990, at Mt. Emory Baptist Church in Jacksonville, and she survives.

Robert is also survived by his children, LaShawn McPike, Martell Bolden, and Krista Reese, all of Jacksonville; grandsons, Kristian Miller and Caiden Acree; brother, Charles (Doris) Black of Syracuse, NY; stepsisters, Anna Belle Blue and Dorothy Anderson, both of Jacksonville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert, also known as "Bobby Lobby", worked at Mobil Chemical Company for 27 years. He first worked as a forklift driver and later as a security officer. Robert was well known for his fashion sense. He was a man of faith and prayed every day. Robert enjoyed fishing, playing the lottery and card games, drawing, and singing. He also loved basketball and all sports, playing the drums, and dancing to James Brown. Above all, Robert loved spending time with his family.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10 – 11 AM, prior to the service. The family will gather at Jacksonville Community Park after the burial if anyone would like to come share memories of Robert. Memorial donations are suggested to the donor's choice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements.