David Reese Obituary

George David Reese

Charleston - George David Reese (David, "Rock," "Coach"), 78, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026 with Lynn and David at his side.

Born in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to Russell George Reese and June Langley Reese, David lived a life defined by family, fields of play, and faith. He was a proud member of the inaugural graduating class of the Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University), where he was a distance runner with a nationally competitive track team coached by Howard Bagwell and lifelong friend and mentor Jim Settle.

If there was a whistle blowing somewhere in the Lowcountry over the last five plus decades, chances are Coach Reese was nearby.

He began his career teaching and coaching at Moultrie High School, which later became Wando High School, where he went on to serve as Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Head Basketball Coach. His coaching journey also included Baptist College at Charleston (Head Basketball Coach), Goose Creek High School, Middleton High School (Defensive Coordinator under Jim Werden during the 1982 AAA State Championship season and later Head Basketball Coach), James Island High School (Head Football Coach, AAA Conference Championship), and West Ashley High School (Defensive Coordinator).

Retirement from Charleston County Schools did not take him off the sidelines - it simply changed the field. He continued coaching football, basketball, and track at Porter-Gaud School for nine years, then served as Defensive Coordinator at Charleston School of Math and Science, Burke High School, First Baptist School, and Northwood Academy until illness finally convinced him to hang up the headset. He did not go quietly.

To generations of young athletes, he was "Coach." Steady. Encouraging. Fair. And often fun! The kind of coach who expected discipline, yet showed compassion sprinkled in with a wonderful sense of humor. He quietly paid attention to the kid who needed extra encouragement. Wins mattered. Character mattered more.

Beyond the scoreboard, David was an accomplished runner, once ranked eighth in the nation in his age group by Runner's World in his 40s. During those years he often ran 100 miles a week and biked 200. When diabetes slowed his stride, he took to serious cycling with friends. And when further physical challenges arrived, neighbors could still count on seeing Rock riding determinedly through the streets - proof that motion, for him, was non-negotiable.

He was a member of North Charleston United Methodist Church.

Many hours invested in the children of other families sometimes meant sacrifices at home. Yet through life's trials, Lynn and Rock grew to cherish one another deeply, and in David Russell's adulthood, he and his father built a strong and lasting bond.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn Riggs Reese; his son, David Russell Reese; his sister, Pam Reese Pruett; nephew, Seth William Pruett; sister-in-law Sharon Riggs Harper; brother-in-law Bryan Riggs (Pam); nieces Breanne Nicole Riggs, Chandler Sadilee Riggs Sakiewicz (Max), and Kelsey Elizabeth Riggs Cuff (Dalen); grand-nephew Dace Jaden Cuff. He had many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Barry Wright (deceased) was his manager or assistant coach from the time he was a young kid begging to manage Rock's first teams at Moultrie until he moved to Charlotte as an adult, and became an "adopted son."

A service will be held at North Charleston United Methodist Church, 1125 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405, on Friday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. An informal celebration of Rock's life will be held at the same address on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m. in Davis Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to North Charleston United Methodist Church, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice.

David Reese spent his life building teams, building young men, and learning to cherish his family. He lit up every room, gym, or field he entered with pranks, hand-lettered signs, and laughter. The final whistle has blown, but the impact of his coaching - and his laughter and love - will echo for generations. Wins mattered; character and confidence mattered more.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.