When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home. 

https://my.gather.app/remember/winthrop-reece-jr

Winthrop Reece Jr. December 31, 1944 – December 1, 2025

Winthrop Reece Jr. completed his earthly journey on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rich in laughter, loyalty, service, and love.

Born in Queens, New York, he grew up in the boroughs of New York City where his quick wit and larger than life humor would later become his signature. After graduating high school in The Bronx, Winthrop was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country with honor. His tour of duty from 1966 -1967 in the Vietnam War reflected courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. His military commitment stretched beyond active duty into decades of faithful service in the reserves, reflecting a disciplined heart and deep devotion to something greater than himself.

Winthrop spent one year at Bronx Community College, but life soon called him into civic service. He served in the Army Reserves and as a Correction Officer for 20 years, a career marked by integrity, responsibility, and resilience.

However, if one were to describe the heart of the man, it was found not behind a badge but behind a toolbelt. Winthrop was a master carpenter, a skilled craftsman gifted in building, repairing, and reimagining what others might pass by. His hands carried many talents, including carpentry, and upholsterer, each gift used with intention and joy. He loved being challenged by a new home project or church need, and he found immense satisfaction in stepping back to admire work well done, especially if it helped someone else.

Perhaps his greatest love story began long before adulthood. Winthrop met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart “Bunnie” in the Summer of 63’. Their love bloomed into a lifetime covenant, and they were united in marriage on August 13, 1966 in Manhattan, New York. For 59 beautiful years, they built a life of love, full of shared adventure, steadfast loyalty, and endless inside jokes. Whether exploring new places or tackling a new carpentry project, Winthrop simply loved doing life by her side.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal man to his core. He loved God deeply, and served people generously. His voice was strong and steady on behalf of the unheard, his heart softened toward the hurting, and his laughter-healing to every room he entered. He will be remembered for humor that lifted spirits, practical jokes that sparked smiles, wisdom that grounded the young, and loyalty that protected the ones he respected.

Winthrop leaves to cherish and continue his memory: his beloved wife Caryl-Ann of 59 years; his children Daryl, Sekou (Rhonda), and Ayanna (Jai); his grandchildren Tre’, Denzil, and Kaliya, and his great-grandchildren Karmyn and Nova. He is joined with his mother Hattie, father Winthrop, brother Aaron, sister Sharon, and is survived by his siblings Joyce, Tyrone (Tina), and Starr (Amos), and many extended family members, church family, and friends who were blessed to know him.

He leaves behind laughter in the walls he built, love in the family he covered, and a beautiful assurance that the God who began the good work in him, carried it to completion.

The funeral service will follow at 10:00 am at the same venue. Subsequently, there will be an interment with military honors at 1:00 pm at the Culpeper National Cemetery Annex located at 501 East Chandler Street, Culpeper, Virginia, 22701.

In remembrance of Winthrop's beautiful life, we invite you to share your memories, stories, and pictures on his memorial page. His life was the embodiment of loyalty, service, and love; may his memory be a source of inspiration and comfort to us all.

To the Reece family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.

It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.