Reece Robertson’s life was a story written in kindness, creativity, quiet generosity, and a deep respect for all living things. Those who knew him understood quickly that he was not someone who sought attention or recognition-he simply believed in helping, creating, and caring wherever he could.
Growing up on a farm, Reece learned early the values that would shape his entire life: hard work, responsibility, and compassion. Farm life taught him to care for animals and appreciate the rhythms of nature, lessons he carried with him long after childhood. As he built a family of his own, he passed those values to his children through experiences rather than words. Their home became a place of adventure, curiosity, and discovery.
To many, their home became known as the “Old Hickory Zoo.” Reece had a remarkable ability to find animals that needed help-and somehow, they always found their way home with him. Dogs, cats, turtles, terrapins, orphaned skunks, birds, fish, guinea pigs, mice, snakes, chinchillas, alligators, even a monkey-if an animal was injured, abandoned, or in distress, Reece would do what he could. His love for animals extended far beyond his own backyard; he even traveled to Mexico to help save sea turtles. To his family, caring for animals wasn’t a hobby-it was simply part of who Reece was.
His children remember learning from him not just how to care for animals, but how to love the outdoors. Family camping trips became treasured traditions. Reece taught them how to build a fire and put it out properly, how to appreciate nature, and how to search for fossils and geodes. These weren’t just activities-they were life lessons in wonder, stewardship, and respect for the world around them.
Reece’s generosity reached far beyond animals. If he saw a person in need, he quietly stepped in. Groceries would appear on porches. Gifts would be left at the end of driveways. He never looked for praise or recognition. He simply believed that helping others was what people should do. His family remembers him as the most giving and unassuming person they had ever known.
After retiring from Dupont in December 1992, Reece embraced lifelong dreams and filled his days creating. A self-taught artist in every sense, his imagination seemed limitless. He became a blacksmith, woodcarver, furniture maker, sculptor, oil painter, stone carver, clay artist, jewelry maker, musician, and builder of countless birdhouses. He especially enjoyed making keychains and handing them out freely to anyone he met-a small token that reflected his generous spirit.
He was also an orchardist at heart. He planted nut trees, patiently cared for them, and looked forward to the harvest season-not simply to enjoy the fruit of his labor, but to give it away to others.
Alongside his wife Ramona, Reece found joy in exploring the world. Together they camped across the United States and traveled to places that sparked their sense of adventure, including Alaska, many of the Caribbean islands, and the Panama Canal.
One of Reece Robertson’s greatest gifts was his ability to connect with people. He was always up for a conversation and truly never met a stranger. Whether standing in a store line, meeting someone at a campground, talking with a neighbor, or chatting with someone he had just met, Reece had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. He was genuinely interested in others and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Family often joked that he could “talk the ears off an elephant,” but behind the laughter was something special-Reece loved people, loved hearing their stories, and had a remarkable way of turning brief encounters into meaningful connections. His conversations were filled with warmth, humor, curiosity, and the kind of kindness that made people remember him long after they parted ways.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow veterans, and all those whose lives were made brighter by his kindness.
Preceded in death by grandson, Donald Reece Halcomb. Survived by wife, Ramona Robertson; daughters, Pamula (David) Price, Michelle (Don) Rollins and Renee Halcomb; son, Mark (Perrie) Robertson; stepchildren, Karlee (Chris) Bailey, Lance (Kim) Edwards and Garth (Deede) Edwards; grandchildren, Donald (Rachel Winston, Georgia (Ian) Trautmann-Rollins, Dawn (Alex) Connell, Matthew Bush, Daniel (Rachel) Robertson, Cassie (Charlie) Madison, Callie (Chris) Munday, Rob Gann, Ian Underwood, Luke Underwood, Chase Edwards and Chad Adams; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted by Wayne Purcell, Eric Vick and Danie Robertson on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (visitation Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road. Interment with Military Honors at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers.
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This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
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