Reeder Bissell's Obituary
Reeder Eugene Bissell, 89, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Longview, Texas. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Reeder lived a life marked by faith, service, and quiet strength.
Born on November 17, 1935, in Nashville, Arkansas, Reeder was the son of Fred Emmett and Willie Irene Reeder Bissell. He graduated from Nashville High School in 1954 where he excelled both academically and athletically, particularly on the varsity baseball team. His love for learning led him to Southern State University (now Southern Arkansas University), where he earned his undergraduate degree. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), earning a Master of Chemistry degree.
Reeder began his professional career in 1961 as a Chemist with Texas Eastman in Longview. Over the years, he contributed significantly to research and development efforts and retired in 1998 as a Principal Chemist. His work ethic and dedication left a lasting impact on colleagues and the scientific community alike.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Reeder was deeply committed to his faith. He lived a Christ-centered life with a servant’s heart—marked by kindness, patience, humility, and compassion. For many years he served as a deacon at Oakland Heights Baptist Church in Longview before continuing his ministry at First Baptist Church in Hallsville. There he was recently honored as Deacon Emeritus. Whether serving on committees or visiting those in need, Reeder led by example and remained active in church life for as long as he was able.
Reeder shared nearly 63 loving years of marriage with his wife Katherine Sue Young Bissell. Together they built a family rooted in love and mutual respect. He is also survived by their daughters: Katherine Elizabeth (Beth) Bissell Green and her husband David; Marsha Suzanne Bissell Fotopoulos and her husband Tommy; grandchildren Kaitlyn Green; Tyler & Emily Green; Olivia & Henry Nelson; and Reed Fotopoulos; as well as great-grandchildren Isaac, Charlotte, and Abigail Nelson; Noah and Sadie Green.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Irene Bissell; his sister Rena Maye Bissell; sister Sarah Margaret Bissell Lay & husband Garland; and brother James Allen "Bo" Bissell & wife Rose.
Reeder found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching baseball games, traveling with loved ones, camping under open skies, fishing quiet waters, tending to gardens with care, crafting through carpentry projects, solving crossword puzzles with sharp wit, participating in church activities, and cherishing time spent with family and friends. His humor—often dry but always endearing—brought smiles to many faces.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Arabella Assisted Living and Treviso Transitional Care for their exceptional compassion during Reeder’s final days.
Reeder Eugene Bissell leaves behind a legacy of integrity, devotion, humility, and love—a life well-lived that will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home with Interment following at Memory Park Cemetery 2923 E. Marshall Ave. Longview, Texas.
John 14:1-3 NKJV – 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
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