I was very saddened to learn of my dear longtime friend Calvin Reese’s passing on October 6, 2021. His funeral services are today, and I am very honored to have been asked to be one of his speakers!

Calvin was a lifetime Columbia native. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1969. He continued his education by earning a Business Management Degree from the University of South Carolina. Calvin’s career involved 50 years in media, starting out as a film editor with WIS-TV in Columbia. He was the first African American to work in television advertising in the history of South Carolina by becoming sales account executive. He continued his career by becoming a General and Sales Manager of several radio stations. His last entrepreneurial endeavor and passion was the Millennium Magazine. It began in 1999 and has moved from print to digital media. His two daughters plan to carry on the Millennium Magazine in the future, which I think is a great tribute to their dad!

I personally knew Calvin very well. He and several of my other friends met weekly for a small Bible study at my previous law office location. Calvin and I loved to talk and play golf together. He played in many of the tournaments the Mike Kelly Law Group sponsored. Through Calvin, I was introduced to the Reverend Charles B Jackson, Sr., the legendary Pastor of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia and the Northeast location. Calvin was very active in the community and most importantly loved serving the Lord at his church. He will be sorely missed. Rest easy my friend!