Mr. Calvin Benjamin Reese entered the world on September 27, 1950 in Columbia, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on Friday, October 6, 2021 at his home.
Calvin was educated in the public schools of Richland County and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1969. He furthered his education at the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Management.
Calvin was the President/Owner of Millennium Magazine. He called himself a media man. Considering his nearly 50 years of experience in and around the media business, the shoe fits.
Calvin started his career in 1972, as a film editor at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. He later began to recognize the important role media played in society and he realized the power WIS-TV’s general manager had on the media and made it his goal to become a general manager himself.
Over time, Calvin found a mentor, who taught him about the business and helped him realize that all the people who were promoted to general manager were promoted from sales. Calvin studied and worked hard, and eventually made it to sales as an account executive, where he became the first African American to work in television advertising in the history of South Carolina. He went on to become the general manager and sales manager of several radio stations.
Over the years, he developed his skills and influence, eventually realizing that he wanted to work for himself. Thus, he founded Millennium Magazine. The Millennium Magazine was first published in 1999, after the formation of the Publicity Ministry for Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina and encouragement of his pastor, the Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr. Calvin turned Millennium into a successful digital media platform that reached a large audience in South Carolina. The magazine captured more readers than all other minority publications combined in South Carolina. Calvin was also an accomplished photographer. Millennium has won numerous awards which include the following: Image Award Top Achiever for the SC Black Male Showcase USA, 2002 Trailblazer Award from the South Carolina Governor’s Office of Minority & Small Business, Winner of the 2021 Best of Columbia Awards, and was also featured in AARP’s National Magazine 2021.
The Millennium Magazine was very involved in positive community organizations. The magazine served as publicity media for churches, positive organizations and businesses in the midlands community.
Calvin served in the community as a Member of the Publicity Committee for the United Way of The Midlands, Member of the Publicity Committee for the March of Dimes, Member of Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, and a past member of the S.C. Governor’s Office of Minority & Small Business.
Above all of Calvin’s natural accomplishments, he loved and served the Lord at Brookland Baptist Church. He was a member of the Publicity Ministry and served as a Senior Usher. His favorite past-times were golfing, cooking and spending time with his family.
Calvin had two daughters, Cherie Lynette Reese and Chelise Kimberly Hardy (Gayle S. Reese, mother). He was preceded in death by: his father, Baxter Eugene Segars, Sr.; his mother, Benzina Elizabeth Segars; his grandmother, Hazel Louise Reese; and his grandfather, Benjamin Reese.
Calvin’s memory will forever be cherished by: his two daughters, Cherie Lynette Reese, Chelise Kimberly Hardy and her husband Dr. Cory D. Hardy, Sr.; his two grandchildren, Cara D. Hardy and Cory D. Hardy, Jr.; his sister, Deborah Singleton and her husband David Singleton; his brother, Baxter Eugene Segars, Jr. (Rev. Jeannette Segars); two nephews, Terrance Lamont Brown and Baxter Trey Segars, III, all of Columbia, South Carolina; and many other family, friends, and the community.
2 years and 5 months later, I learned of Calvin’s life transition. Today, April 2, 2024, Calvin strongly crossed my mind and I pushed through to reach out to him. It’s odd, I located his number in my phone, but instead of dialing the number…I Googled “Calvin Reese—Columbia, SC. His obituary immediately appeared. I’m shocked and amazed that perhaps it was his way of breaking the news. I can hear him just as plain as day starting a conversation by saying; “Truth be told…”
Calvin will be missed by many, however his indelible mark has been left with each of us.
RIH Calvin, I’m so sorry I didn’t know sooner.
To the Reese family, we pray that you are comforted by the loving arms of God and know that Calvin is at rest.
My friend rest well. My God errors not.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to all the family. 🙏🏾
My sincere condolences to the family. Calvin was one of a kind, an unforgettable presence. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to the Reese Family, please know that you are loved. If there is a need and I can be a help to you please let us know. God bless you all forever.
Chelise. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathies and words of support to the Reese family. May God brighten your darkest days and give you the strength that you need always!
Also CALVIN’S birthday was September 27th, Patricia MONROE September 23rd and mine September 20th we would celebrate the 3 together sometimes. For those of you who may not had the experience of tasting his cooking HE MADE THE BEST CHITLINS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA LOL and was excellent on the GRILL!!! He is TRULY TRULY TRULY GOING TO BE MISSED!!!
My sincere condolences to the Reese Family. Thank you Calvin for your great media contributions. RIP
OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A VOID IN MY HEART!!! One of my BEST FRIENDS HERE IN SOUTH CAROLINA. I’ve known CALVIN for over 26years. He’s been a friend among friends. Just last year we had a scare when there was another CALVIN REESE that passed. When I received the call I immediately called him and WHAT A BLESSING IT WAS TO HEAR THAT ONE OF A KIND VOICE THAT SAID, we’ll hello Alice and I proceeded to tell him about the call I received when he then said he had heard from others concerning that. CALVIN said to me that night and I quote”Alice let me tell you something when I do go “This World Doesn’t Owe ME ANYTHING!!! GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME!!!
He loved his Gma and his children but the GIRLS STOLE HIS HEART! He also loved his Church and loved loved his/our PASTOR REV. Dr. CHARLES B. JACKSON SR! So to the family I know what you’re going through and the best thing I can offer to you all is PRAYER THAT’S WHAT HAS GOTTEN ME THROUGH MY TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS AS WELL AS MY GRIEF! If I can assist you beyond the prayers I’m sending up, PLEAS PLEAS PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CALL ME ANYTIME!!! Love
Calvin Reese was a giant in the community. No story was too big or too small to publish. He was always thorough and adequate with his reporting. He raised the bar in media and jounalism. #REST IN HEAVEN CALVIN REESE #MY FRIEND
My Condolences to the Reese Family
My sincere condolences to the Reese family. Calvin was a trailblazer in his field of Media. The communication of worthy news especially to the Black community was priceless. Your journey is complete by friend. RIP
I’m saddened to learn of Calvin’s passage. He was an excellent photo journalist, a wonderful acquaintance and dear friend. His bright smile, hearty laugh, and joyous attitude will be missed by many. I am honored to have known him.
My heart is broken this morning to hear about the passing of my long-time friend, Calvin. We collaborated on so many business ventures, it felt like he was my business partner, as well. I will certainly miss his random calls to discuss the many business ideas that he had. My prayers are for Sis Gale and the girls (as I called them when we talked). Rest on, my brother.
I have know Calvin most of my life. We lived next door on Harper Street. Learned many things from Calvin and his family as a child. I will miss Calvin and his big voice and stories. Our sympathy to his family?
Was shocked to hear the passing of Calvin whom I considered a very dear friend and Brother. He was very much involved in covering the news of our organization. You will truly be missed my Brother. RIP.
On behalf of the Brookland Baptist Ushers Ministry we send our condolences to the Reese family. We will miss Mr. Reese from being one of our faithful “Door Keeper” at the Brookland Baptist Church. RIP.
One of my pew partners from Brookland will truly be missed. Rest in peace Calvin.
Cherie and Chelise , my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I know that your faith in God had always been strong. Continue to lean and trust in him.
My heart felt sympathies to the family. Calvin always had a kind word. I never could out talk him, but we were friends just the same. May the peace of God be with you during this time and always.
My condolences to the Reese and Hardy Family. You all in my thoughts and prayers!
Calvin was a great and special person. I will cherish the fond memories of him. Based on my conversations, he was very proud of his daughters. My condolences to the Reese Family.
Calvin will be missed. I really liked working with him through his Millennium Magazine. He was a good man and always took the time to help me understand things and to share his wealth of media knowledge and experiences with me. He was funny and had an infectious and positive personality. He loved his work and worked hard at what he did. He was a great partner to our organization and a friend to me. I will miss him. My prayers are with his friends and family.
I was so not prepared to read about Calvin’s passing. It totally caught me off guard. I have such fond memories of Calvin. He was very supportive and kind. I met him over 25 years ago. I expressed an interest in writing, and he gave me an opportunity to have my own column in his newspaper to write motivational messages. I was so grateful for the opportunity and his belief in my ability. I hope he knew how much I appreciated that. He was a blessing to many and will missed. Praying for the family during this difficult time.
May the Peace of God be with the Family of Mr. Calvin Reese. Rest in Peace my friend.
I am sharing these words of comfort & care to my dear friend, Deacon Baxter Seagars, the younger brother of Calvin Reese. “P-Nut”, as Baxter is commonly known is, in fact, Calvin’s only brother.
Please know family, that citizens across this city & state will continue to uplift you & the entire family both near & far as we once again mourn one who we speak of as “gone too soon”.
A businessman extradinaire was he & just an all around good guy who was well respected for his acumen in multiple areas of the electronic media in particular.
May the service he rendered, speak for him beyond perpetuity .
Another BTW Washingtonian will now enter “golden gates” to glory. May he rest in the Joy of Jesus!
Calvin and I joined church at the same time, we were golf partners and good friends. Years ago my business took me to Vietnam but we remained in touch via his on-line paper. I lost a good friend but heaven has gained a devoted soldier. Rest in peace my brother you will remain in my thoughts.
My sincere condolences to the family of Calvin Reese. Calvin was a friend and fellow church member. He will be greatly missed.
We’re never prepared to hear about the passing of friends and family. I definitely was not prepared to hear about your passing, Calvin—I will miss you. Rest easy my friend.
Calvin always had a kind and generous word of encouragement. He contributed greatly to this community. My prayers to the family.
My condolences to Calvin’s family. He was a great communicator of thoughts and ideas as was reflected in his digital magazine Millennium. He provided an invaluable service to our community in keeping us informed about events and achievements. His passing leaves a void that will not be easily filled.
Calvin you surely will be missed. My condolences goes out to the family
My sincere condolences to the Calvin B Reese family. A consummate business person, and a scholar in his own way. Rest in peace.
My sincerest condolences to the family. Calvin was a great friend and mentor. One thing I’ll never forget was his willingness to teach me about business. He always had a story to tell me when we talked.
I’ll miss him, but I know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Calvin had a beautiful spirit that everyone could see.
I enjoyed our conversations about the need for Black-owned media. He will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Reese family. I’m going to miss Calvin greeting me as I enter the door at Brookland Baptist. So glad I got to see him at church a few Sundays ago. Rest in peace Calvin.
Cherie and Chelise, my heart goes out to you and your family with the passing of your dad. I pray that God’s love, grace and faithfulness will bring you peace and understanding. Stay strong and be encouraged!
Love Sonya
Rest In Peace Cousin Calvin
Calvin was a bright light in a dark world. That calming voice and beautiful spirit will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Otis and Cynthia Walters
Calvin brought a fresh and practical perspective to our Tuesday faith discussions. His warmth will be missed in this world.
I enjoyed talking to Calvin concerning business matters and life in general. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family. Take your rest my brother. You were a difference maker.
Calvin B Reese was THE MAN … A Legend, Trailblazer, Trendsetter and a Pioneer … Founder of the First Black-Owned digitL magazines in the Greater Columbia SC. Most of all, he was a dear friend … Thank you Calvin, again, for an awesome time at the Patti Austin concert (Auntie Karen). Rest Easy Sir 🕊❤🌷
Well Done, Mr. Reese! “Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Calvin was always the perfect gentleman. We once had offices in the same building. He looked out for me and I looked out for him.He learned from me and I learned from him. Unforgettable conversations.. RIP Calvin.
My Condolences To My Family Praying For Everyone Love Cousin Shirley Ann Jones Crook
I mourn the loss and celebrate the life of an old friend. Rest In Peace and Power, my BTW classmate.
My brother in Christ, gone , but you will never be forgotten, Calvin sat directly in front of me every Sun he attended if, he did not usher Brookland along with our conversations when we saw eacH other in KrogerYou will be missed. Condolences to the family
My most sincerest condolences to the family. Calvin was my classmate of BTW class of 69. Keeping you all in prayer.
Mr. Reese was my buddy. He was always in my corner and always had something uplifting to say to me. I’m saddened to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Josh and I learn today the loss of you. We are lost of words and we will never forget you. Rest is peace my friend and known you will be missed.
Love Joshus Jr. And Melissa Brailey.
Our deepest sympathy to the Reese family!
Jerome & Pat Noble
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Calvin will be miss I always talk juke to him on Sundays in a great way. He stand at the center door as a usher at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia I told him he took my spot we laugh. Take your rest I know you in Heaven ushering for the Lord. His family have my condolences.