Mr. Joseph Michael Reese

Mr. Joseph Michael Reese of Tampa, FL passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace, 8718 N. 46th St, Tampa, FL 33617, Reverend Dr. Earl Mason, Pastor. Dr. Antonio R. Hawkins, Pastor of Exciting Faith Alive Church Officiator/Eulogist.

Joseph Michael Reese, the son of Cynthia Reese and Joseph Michael Strafford, was born on October 8, 1979, at Tampa General Hospital. Joseph, affectionately known to many as “Mike Reese” departed this life, at the young age of 45. Mike was born and raised in Tampa, mostly in the Nuccio area, and attended Hillsborough County Public Schools, graduating from C. L King Senior High School with the class of 1998, later going on to work numerous jobs that utilized his protection skills, his knowledge of electronics, tv installations, and other “Mac Guyver” things he was skilled at sometimes helping family and friends whenever they called and needed him. Mike’s family was everything to him.

He had various interests, one being to watch his favorite football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play on any given Sunday.  Throughout his life, Mike liked to play basketball, do puzzles, play video games, watch movies and if the chance came, he would enjoy fishing.  Above all, Mike loved being with and around his family, he will be remembered and missed dearly. 

He was preceded in death by:  his Great-Grandmother, Julia Rolene Gray; Sarah Scott (Grandmother); Richard Reese (uncle); Jane Mitchell (aunt); and Bryant Fayson II (cousin).

Joseph's legacy will live on forever through his loving family: his wife, Shankia Williams Reese; his daughters, Destiny Stoker, Aalayah Reese, and Aalyssa Jackson; Son, Jorden Garland; Ivory (the family dog); Mom, Cynthia Reese Carter; Dad, Joseph Michael Strafford (Debra); Maternal Grandmother, Glenda Levins (Donald); Brother, Michael Islar (Asia); Sister,  Myesha Stafford (Angel); Nephew, Messiah;  Nieces, Malaya, Laylani, Angelique, and Mylena; Aunts, Camille Powell of San Antonio, TX, Crystal Powell, Donetta Levins, Shameka Levins, and Kathleen Gray, all of Tampa, Florida; special cousins, Toni Gray, Shameka Mitchell, Erica Mitchell, Desmond Sheppard, and Royce Powell, all of Tampa, Florida; and Special Friends, Haze Thomas (Janice), Orunde “Deebo” Butts (Lisa), Jimmy Jackson, Keith “Ke Ke” Harris (Destiny), Anthony” Amp” Nobles, and Emmanuel “Manny” Jackson. So many families and friends to name but loved them all the same. He leaves a huge host of sorrowful family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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