Dr. I Philip Reese, Do

Dr. I Philip Reese, DO, 75, of Leesburg, passed away on May 31, 2024, in Albany, GA.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Leesburg Methodist Church in Leesburg, GA.

For more than 49 years, Dr. Reese led a distinguished career in cardiology, touching the lives of countless individuals with his expertise and compassionate care.

Son to Eber O. Reese and Leonore Lentz Reese Rogers, Dr. Reese was born April 27, 1949, in Lancaster, PA. He was a board-certified Cardiologist and Internist by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and acupuncture practitioner. Dr. Reese spent his early career in private practice in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2011, he relocated to central Georgia, where he provided medical care to underserved and rural communities until his retirement in 2018.

Dr. Reese completed undergraduate studies in 1971 at Bucknell University, medical school in 1975 at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, internal medicine internship and residency in 1978 at Flint Osteopathic Hospital and cardiology fellowship in 1980 at Saint Louis University. During his career, Dr. Reese served as Vice Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Harris Methodist Fort Worth, faculty at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cardiologist with the University of North Texas Health Science Center and was certified as a full member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

In addition to being a distinguished physician, Dr. Reese had a quick wit and unique fashion sense, often sporting a heavily starched wardrobe, handkerchief, vented mesh cap and white doctor’s coat. He was known for citing facts and fictions from the Reese’s Almanac such as 'sugar doesn’t melt when it gets wet; it just gets lumpy' and 'does a hobby horse have wooden lips?'

A kid at heart, Dr. Reese loved Scarborough Fair and Six Flags, movies, and MacGyver reruns on Betamax. He could be found cruising around in his teal Jeep Wrangler, top down and 90s country music blaring. His affinity for sweets was legendary. He kept hidden stashes of candy everywhere, on hand for any ‘emergency’ and was known for giving out chocolate hearts to family, friends, and coworkers every year at Valentine’s Day.

Dr. Reese is survived by his wife, Mindy Phagan, and stepson, Blake Kilpatrick; daughter and son-in law, Tiffany Reese and Peter Griess, and grandsons, Ryder and Asher Griess; daughter, Courtney Reese, and granddaughters, Hannah and Hazel Hyde; daughters, Brittany and Julianna Reese, and son, Ethan Reese; sisters, Kitty Moranz, Cynthia Reese, Martha Thomas and Nancy Rinker; and devoted companion and service dog, Mija.

In Dr. Reese’s words, “we’ll see you later alligator, after while crocodile, but not too soon baboon.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Dr. I Philip Reese Scholarship in Internal Medicine (www.unthsc.edu/give/i-philip-reese-do-endowed-scholarship/), honoring his legacy and providing support for medical students.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home was given the honor to serve Dr. Reese’s family.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.josephwjones.com

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Homes

Leesburg, GA

229-814-1415