William E. Reels

William E. Reels, 93, of Curtis Corner Rd., Wakefield, died unexpectedly Friday. Born in South Kingstown, he was the son of the late James and Hattie (Hazard) Reels and the husband of the late Isabelle (Sekator) Reels. He was the brother of Clifford Reels and Clifford and Albert Taylor. Lt. Reels was also the brother of the late Oscar, James, Lawrence, Elmer and Victor Reels, Hattie Monroe, Marian Smith, Evelyn Chase, Pearl Champlin, Pauline Norman, Ester Brown and Lois Smith. Mr. Reels was the first minority to be appointed to the South Kingstown Police Department in 1954, where he worked for thirty-four years, becoming a Lieutenant before retiring. He was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Rhode Island Criminal Associates. When William was not at work he could be found hunting with his beloved beagles or gardening. He was the father of Jean Stanton, Carole Edmonds, Sharon Jennings, Billie Diane Reels, Stephen Reels and Stephanie Vazquez; grandfather of 13; great-grandfather of 17 and great-great-grandfather of 6. He will be missed by his many family members as well as countless friends in the community. Visiting hours Monday 9-11 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial will be in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston.