Willie Reese, son of Squire R. T. Reese, died at the home of Mr. E. H. Penn, in Adairsville Monday night. He was about twenty years old and was boarding with Mr. Penn and attending school. He was a bright scholar, and his death is a sad blow to the family.
Source: Calhoun Times August 25, 1887

Death of Willie Reese
Like a flower nipped by frost,
Ere its early bloom was lost,
So died the lovely boy,
Who now is reaping peace and joy.

It is a difficult matter for me to realize that Willie Reese is no more, for I was in two miles and a half of him and didn't know that he was sick until after his death, so short his illness. But as he was a good boy and had a great many friends, moreover, was dearly loved by all who knew him, and was a universal favorite, his death demands more than a notice contained in your paper last week, know that all who knew him will not fail to read and appreciate anything that may be said in honor of him. He was borned April the 11th, 1867. He was a son of Mr. R. T. Reese, a respected citizen of Gordon county. He was for seven months a pupil of the writer, and a lovlier, sweeter tempered boy never graced the isles of any school room. At the time of his death which was August 22, 1887 he was attending school at Adairsville. He had been there but a short time, but had made many warm friends who gave him the best attention possible during his short illness. His first predilections was in favor of farming, but owing to a severe attack of fever three years ago, from which he never fully recuperated, he was compelled to relinguish all hopes in reference to farming, and was at the time of his death studying bookkeeping. He was remarkable for his obedience to his parents, and kindness to his brothers and sisters, more especially was he devoted to his twin brother Guss, who survives him. In 1886: he obtained a hope in Christ and joined the Baptist church at Bethlehem where he remained until his death. He bore his sufferings without a murmur and just a few minutes before he expired he threw back his eyes and exclaimed, " I shall soon be at rest far above that ceiling," and without a gasp or struggle, he fell asleep. At the setting of his sun what few clouds that gathered but made it more glorious. To the bereaved family we tender our heartfelt sympathies, pointing them to the same source of consolation which was the refuge of the departed.

Willie thou has left us,
Oh this dark and gloomy shore,
But by and by we are coming
Where we shall part no more
W. M. W.
Source: Calhoun Times Sept. 1, 1887