Maurice Essie, Sr.

Maurice ”Reese” Essie, Sr. of Knoxville, TN, age 63, departed this earthly place for a permanent home in God’s Heaven on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Reese was a graduate of Austin East High School; class of 81. Shortly after, he began a 20 plus year career of trucking.  He later transitioned to an entrepreneur of many ventures, most notably known for his hats. In recent years, Reese dedicated his time and service to assisting Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.

Known for his lively spirit and generous nature, he brought laughter, stories, and warmth wherever he went. He had a way of making people feel welcome, whether they were family, friends, or someone he had just met. His kindness wasn’t something he saved for special occasions; it was simply who he was every day.  One of his greatest joys in life was taking care of others. If someone was hungry, he made sure they were fed (which was sure to include his World-Famous Ribs). If someone needed help, he was there without hesitation. He gave freely of his time, his energy, and his heart; always putting others before himself. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his acts of service, his caring heart, and his unwavering willingness to help others. He will be remembered not only for work he did, but for the love he shared, the meals he served and the genuine compassion he showed to everyone around him.

Reese, you leave behind a world made better by your presence; may you forever rest in God’s peace and may your beautiful spirit live on in each of us.

Reese is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Willie Mae Essie; brothers, Cecil Essie and Andre Essie; sisters, Roslyn Rambo and Joyce Brisco.

He leaves to cherish his memory; children, Maurice Essie Jr., Shemeka Essie, Shantell, Essie, Jaden Essie, Cortez Beasley and Jerria Anderson; grandchildren, Shamyrah, Sanaa, Maurice III, Aiyana, Itarius, Jazara, Graesen, Samiyah, O’mari, Jaida, Johnnie Jr., Serenity, Cataesha, Torez, Jaquez, Karez, Ariyah, and Cortez, Jr.; brother, Albert Essie, Jr.; sisters, Willa L. Essie of North Mrytle Beach, SC and Melba (Danny) Jones; uncle, Booker T. (Dee) Neely of Bonham, Texas; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include forever devoted friend, Deanna Anderson and special friends, Michelle Simmons and Elizabeth Whitehorn.

Family will receive friends Saturday June 20, 2026 from 10 to 11am at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2137 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow. Pastor Vincent Jones, Jr. officiating. Interment at Berry Highland South, 9010 E. Simpson Road Knoxville, TN 37920. 

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.