What's in the Water in Midland, Texas?

Written by Jerry Reese

(Jerry passed away April 4, 2020. Rest In Peace.)

I was born in Wink, Texas the sixth child of Alice and A. C. Reese. I can neither confirm nor deny, but my recollection, based on relatives’ stories, is that my Mother and Dad both quit school when they were very young. My Dad died when I was 7, so I remember little about him. My Mother was way too old to have another baby when I was born, and I fear my birth contributed to her being almost housebound with illness until she died during our senior year. My folks were wonderful but unremarkable in terms of worldly achievements.

My family moved from Wink to Odessa, and then in the summer between the 7th and 8th grades, we moved to Midland. I met the cutest girl I had ever seen while riding a bicycle somewhere on Cuthbert Street. I remember her feet being dirty but they were attached to movie star legs, and I fell in love with Jackie Garrett. We both had separate lives for 30 years, but in 1997, I achieved the highest honor of my life and married Jackie.

After high school, I was lucky enough to get a basketball scholarship to Odessa College, with the stipulation I also play golf. Our golf team won the National Championship, but our basketball team, I believe, had a losing record. After a five year hiatus, I went back to Odessa College in 1965 and captained and played for another National Championship golf team.

I finally graduated from Texas Tech in 1969, and began my working career with the now defunct Houston Post. After a couple of years, the newspaper in Bryan College Station recruited me to come there as their Advertising Director. It was during this time I met the owner of the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Dealership and eventually became the General Manager of that dealership for 20 years.

When Ford Motor Company bought the store, I went, literally, across the street and was General Manager of the Toyota Dealership until I turned 50.

Having never really enjoyed my jobs (I did it for the money), I decided to pursue my dream and went to Tour School for the PGA Senior Golf Tour. While I would make the same decision again, the experience was less than successful. I spent a lot more than I won, and developed severe arthritis from the constant pounding and PRACTICING. Golf has continued to be a big part of my life.

Having no children of my own, I inherited two great step-daughters and sons-in-law,and four magnificent grandchildren. I could not be prouder!!!

I never became very wealthy financially, but if success is measured like I think it is, I am a millionaire many times over.  I have few regrets and my “bucket list” is short.