Dr. Donald Brooks Reece, II

Dr. Donald Brooks Reece II, 70, of Morehead City, passed away on Sunday, August 16th  at home surrounded by his family after a prolonged illness.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Friday, August 21, 2015 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Morehead City with Bishop Rollings. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park.

Donald, affectionately called “Doc” was a long time family practice physician for over 40 years in Carteret County at the practice he established, Carteret Family Practice.

He was revered as a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and grew up in Tracyton, Washington.  He graduated from Central Kitsap High School, graduating first in his class.  He attended undergraduate school at Whitman College as a Baker Scholar, and then graduated from medical school at the University of Washington.  He was commissioned a lieutenant in the Navy, and he and his young family first moved to San Diego and then to Pensacola for flight training.  After which, he was assigned to MCAS Cherry Point. He fell in love with the area, and before long, he starting working with local physicians and finally established his own private practice. Doc was an innovator in his practice of medicine.  Most of his patients were of limited economic means; his was the first practice to have an in house pharmacy for patient convenience, and offered alternative patient treatments.

He was extremely active in his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He served twice as the Bishop of the Morehead City Ward and in many other callings.

He was involved with West Carteret High School as the team physician for many years.  He was recognized for his service with the awarding of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Martin in September 1988.  He had many passions, including toastmasters, teaching, chess, golf, racquetball, options trading, and movies.  By far, his greatest passion was his family.  He greatly enjoyed going to Busch Gardens and visiting  children that had moved out of the area.

He is survived by his eternal companion of 47 years, Joan, and their ten children and spouses:  Kari Jo Niederhauser and Kyle, Tamara Holmes and David, Tonya Fletcher and Tim, Donald Brooks Reece III and Jaz, Jacqueline Stucki and Jeff, Kimberly Norman and Brentley, Angela Arter and Jason, Kenneth Rex Reece and Kensi, Tara Dawn Tootle and TC, and Tiffany Tanner and Brandon; 49 grandchildren; brothers and sisters  Richard and Frankie, Tom, Mark and Peggy, and Kathy and Scott Nelson.

He was preceded in death by father, Donald Brooks Reece, mother, Gertrude, and grandson, Daniel Holmes.

The family will receive friends 12:30- 2:30 prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Dr. Donald B. Reece, II, may be made to the Missionary Fund, Morehead City Ward, c/o Bishop Sam Rollings, 2501 Emeline Place, Morehead City, NC 28557