Alan Gerard Reese, a veteran accountant who also was involved in the revival of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, has died.

Mr. Reese succumbed to illness on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, according to his family. He was 64.

His contributions to the profession and the community were remembered during a graveside service Saturday, Sept. 4, at Mayflower Baptist Church in Kenbridge in Lunenburg County.

Born in Kenbridge, Mr. Reese began his accounting career in Richmond after graduating summa cum laude from Virginia State University.

A certified public accountant, he worked for Price Waterhouse’s Richmond office before starting his own firm in the early 1980s. He and his staff kept the books, organized finances and handled tax reporting for numerous clients, including the Richmond Free Press.

Under his leadership, the firm ranked as one of the largest Black-owned and operated accounting firms in the Richmond area.

To create new offices for his company, A.G. Reese & Associates P.C., Mr. Reese took on the renovation of one of Jackson Ward’s most significant structures, John Mitchell Jr.’s home, at 621 N. 3rd St, one of the few buildings that survived the expansion of the Richmond Convention Center that opened in 2003.

In a December 2001 Free Press Personality feature, Mr. Reese said that he took on the project to preserve the legacy of Mr. Mitchell, a crusading Black newspaper editor, banker, civic leader and political figure from the 1880s until his death in 1929.

Mr. Reese’s company remains in operation.

Mr. Reese also revived and led the Jackson Ward Business Association in a bid to help the community once again flourish as it had during its heyday during segregation and before the city built the interstate highway through it.

Survivors include his children, Alan Gerard Reese II and Tef Paige Reese; six siblings, Oscar Cradle, Brenda R. Herrington, Early W. Reese, Marvin E. Reese, Mark S. Reese and Reginald C. Reese; and one grandchild.