John Reese Dorey's Obituary
John “Reese” Dorey, 90, of Millsboro, DE, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born on April 13,1934 to George Dorey and Ruth (Bowden) Dorey. He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife Esther (Ellers) Dorey, brothers Ralph Dorey, Lee Dorey as well as his sister Hazel Baker.
Reese married Esther Ellers, on March 4, 1956. They shared 66 years together prior to Esther’s passing in 2022. Reese started working for American Stores (which became Acme Markets) when he was 16 years of age. He worked for them over 30 years prior to retirement. Reese loved to be around people. He loved farming, gardening, raising chickens, and pigs. His four daughters are Karen (and Richard) Mihalik of Georgetown, DE, Jane (and Tom) Lane of Magnolia, DE, Sandra (and Keith) Doughty of Georgetown, and Lesia (and Dean) Jones of Georgetown. He helped his daughters and their families with many projects throughout the years. Reese enjoyed carpentry, making wooden toys and pitching horseshoes at Carey’s Camp. Reese was known to be Santa’s Helper during Christmas and brought smiles to hundreds of children.
He attended Roxana United Methodist Church and was a member of Carey’s Church. Prior to illness in the family, he was faithful about attending church on Sundays and other activities. His faith was an important part of his life, and he encouraged and supported his daughters to sing in many local churches during their youth. He loved his family, friends, and appreciated their visits
. He will be remembered as a sweet, kind, and caring person. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, brother, uncle, pop-pop and friend. He will be dearly missed by many, especially his four daughters, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (soon to be ten) as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held at Watson Funeral Home and Crematorium, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, DE 19966, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11am with a viewing from 10-11am prior to the start of the service. The Revs. John Schutt and Tom Blackford will officiate. Interment will follow at Millsboro Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.
Flowers are welcome, or donations can be made in Reese Dorey’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com
** Florists - Please deliver any floral arrangements on Monday, April 7th by 2 PM
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