He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Jim and Margie Reel who were his caregivers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Eola M. “Sis” Reel, in 2013; and his siblings, Jesse Reel, Guy Reel, Roy Reel, Martin Reel, Jr., Francis Knotts, Ruth Reel, Mabel Reel, Frank Reel and Charles Reel. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.