Merle Reams, of Gaffney

Published 9:57 am Monday, October 30, 2017

Merle F. Reams, 80, of 607 Pacolet Highway, Gaffney, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. 

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Merle and Gertrude Reams.  He was married to the love of his life, Janice Thompson Reams, for 61 years. 

Merle was a true American patriot, serving his country with honor for 23 years: three years in the Army, and retired after 20 years from the U.S. Air Force.

After retirement from the military, he filled many roles. One that was close to his heart was being an intricate part of the beginning of American TransMed, serving as an EMT and later in the administrative office. 

He was a 32nd degree mason in Lincoln, Nebraska, was former post commander, quartermaster and chaplain of VFW Post #3447 in Gaffney, and was former post commander of the American Legion in Buchanan, Michigan.  He was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Nothing was more important to Merle than his love of God, his wife and family and his country.  He will be remembered as a caring and giving person, with the heart of a servant. 

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Merle F. (Scott) Reams of Chesnee, South Carolina, and David Reams (Rita) of Cowpens, South Carolina; three daughters, Teresa Montgomery (Greg) of Round Rock, Texas, Cheryl Culbertson (Michael) of Gaffney and Kim Windham (Matt) of Williston, South Carolina; a sister, Mary Robbins (Tim) of Osseo, Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren, Sean Reams (Katrina), David Reams, Matthew Gee (Angie), Nate Moore, Megan Broyles (Alex), Katie Montgomery, Carson Kirby, Gregger Kirby, Adam Culbertson (Tiffany), Chris Culbertson and Taylor Culbertson; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Dyer.

The family will received friends from 12:30 until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Funeral services immediately followed at 2 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. James “Bucky” Brown and the Rev. Gene Thompson officiating. Interment, with full military honors, was in Frederick Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1600 W. Floyd Baker Boulevard, Gaffney, SC 29341; or Disabled American Veterans, Jack E. Daniel Chapter 54, P.O. Box 604, Gaffney, SC 29342.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at blakelyfuneralhome.com. Blakely Funeral & Crematory, Gaffney, South Carolina.