Robert Charles Reel (Bob), 74, passed away unexpectedly on April 29, 2021, in Clear Lake. He was born on September 4, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to William Henri Reel and Retha Allene Johnson Reel, both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his nephew Michael William Reel.

Bob is survived by Bonnie Paine Cottrell, with whom he shared a spiritual and loving relationship for 21 years in the Clear Lake area of Houston; son Brian Matthew Reel, daughter Stacey Rene Reel; grandchildren Weston Wain Cooper and Riley Shey Reel of Corpus Christi; twin brother William Gerald Reel and niece Melanie Reel Harris (George) also of Corpus Christi. Bob is also survived by Bonnie’s two children, Jason Patrick Cottrell and Jonathan Ryan Cottrell and Bonnie’s six granddaughters; his many friends throughout the Clear Lake area, as well as his loving and loyal dog, Pippa, who misses him immensely.

When his country called, Bob answered by joining the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1967. Bob graduated in 1964 from Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi and from Texas A&I in Kingsville in 1973 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Bob enjoyed playing golf, reading Terry Goodkind and Clive Cussler books, and hanging out with his many friends at Starbucks. He continuously made donations to organizations including the Houston Humane Society, Seeing Eye Foundation, and the Houston Food Bank. Helping people and animals in need was important to him, saying, “When you do for others, it always has a way of coming back to you two-fold.” His motto was “Life Is Good!”

A private family celebration of his life will be held in Corpus Christi June 12, 2021, with a celebration in the Clear Lake area to be announced at a later date.