Dr. Benny R. Reece, born Dec. 7, 1930 in Asheville, N.C., passed away Friday Dec. 29, 2011 at Oakwood Nursing Home in Bay Minette.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel V. Reece; and son, Judson Benjamin Reece.
Professor Reece was a graduate of Duke University in 1953, recipient of the James B. Duke Fellowship and of his Ph.D. in classical languages from the University of North Carolina, where he studied with Medieval Scholar Professor B.L. Ullman in 1957.
Professor Reece was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Munich in 1957 and 1958. His professional career included Assistant Professor of Classics at Mercer University in 1957-1961, d Associate Professor of Classical Languages and Department Chair at Furman University until retirement in 1993.
Other honors received were Fellow South Eastern Institute, Visiting Professor of Classics at the University of North Carolina, Fellow American Philosophical Society, and the Fellow Cooperative Program in the Humanities at Duke University.
Professor Reece’s professional writings included, but were not limited to, several articles published in the Classical Journal and Furman Studies in 1963-1985 and translation of 15th century ancient manuscripts “Rotherii Veronensis” by request while living in a monastery in Germany in 1958.
Professor Reece’s books included “Rotherii Episcopi Veronensis” in 1969, “Dicken’s Use of Classical Mythology” in 1975 and lastly, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood Solved” in 1989.
Professor Reece was an avid supporter of Classical Languages and Archeology at the University of North Carolina.
He was a believer in Christ and a man of quiet faith, who left a firm legacy for his family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 211 McMillan Ave. in Bay Minette. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Stuart Clarke, with the eulogy offered by son, Judson Benjamin Reece, and music provided by Cathy Chandler.
Visitation and lunch will follow the service for all who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church or to the local Salvation Army.
Cremation arrangements by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory, Daphne.
