"It was with great sadness that I recently learned of the passing of Lance's father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Reissigs during this difficult period. Lydia Kennedy"
In loving memory of
Francis Robert Reissig
August 28, 1915 - December 4, 2009
Francis Robert ReissigAugust 28, 1915 - December 4, 2009Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend Francis Robert Reissig will forever be known as a gentle, honest, and loving man. He was born and raised in Austin where he owned and continually operated South Lamar Automotive Service for 59 years. After retiring he moved to Lake Travis with his loving wife Eursel in 1988. He attended Fulmore Elementary School, John T. Allan Junior High and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1935. He was a member of the Onion Creek Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Ben Hur Shrine in Austin. Francis died surrounded by his family Friday, December 4, 2009 after a three-month battle with cancer. His friends and patrons will always remember him for his integrity, his work ethic and loving spirit.Born August 28, 1915, Francis was the only son of Bruno and Minnie Reissig. He spent his childhood helping his father on the farm through the great depression. He then went to work as a civilian at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio as an aircraft engine mechanic and building B52 aircraft for WWII. In June of 1945 he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corp. He fathered one child, Terry, with his first wife Mildred Cooper, who passed away in 1944. He was then honorably discharged from the Army to take care of his daughter. Later in life he found his love for cars, which would lead to his career in the automotive service business. He married Eursel Lee Cooksey on August 11, 1951. They had three children, Sandra, Skipper, and Lance and raised all of their children in South Austin. His passion for cars inspired him to open his first automotive repair shop in 1946 at 1109 South Lamar, which at that time was still recognized as Old Fredericksburg Road. Outgrowing the original location, he moved to 1414 South Lamar in 1959. His honesty and integrity with his work resulted in loyal customers for South Lamar Automotive from all over the area. Before the business closed in December of 2005, it was the longest operating independent automotive repair shop in Austin. For the last 20 years he spent his time tinkering in his garage and spending quality time with his family. Francis was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Minnie Reissig, first wife Mildred and loving granddaughter Lynne Christianson.Francis is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eursel Lee, daughter Terry Irwin, grandchild Lane, and great grandchildren Bear and Brayden, daughter Sandra Heatley, grandchildren Lauren and Grant, son Skipper, grandchildren Alexis, Meagan, and Blake and great grandchildren Jada and Daxton, son Lance and spouse Cindy, and grandchildren Robby, Lee, and Joseph. Pallbearers will be his six grandsons, Lane Christianson, Grant Heatley, Robby Reissig, Lee Reissig, Joseph Reissig, and Blake Reissig. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, TX. Funeral services will be officiated by Reverend Pat Kelly at Harrell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin 78749. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Austin, American Cancer Society, or Shriners Children's Hospitals. 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745 512-443-1366
Tributes
"What a wonderful human being Francis was. I cherish many personal memories as well as ones passed down to me by my parents of their childhood days. I am proud to be related to Francis through three of his four family lines. Eursel and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"I can visualize a happy reunion in heaven about now. My Mom, Raye Williams, is happy to see her first cousin, Fran, again. I can imagine them recalling Fran teaching her to ride his bike down the hill on Burleson Rd. My Dad, Vance Williams, will want to discuss all the cars they modified and raced around South Austin. And all three will talk and laugh about the practical jokes the played on each other and their friends."
"My heart goes out to your entire family. Although I didn't have the privalage of knowing Francis that well, I do know what a beautiful man he was from listening to Sandra talk about him. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. He is in good hands."
""Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." By Lauren's description, the world was a better place because of this man and even though I never met him, I see that in his granddaughter, Lauren. In sorrow for your loss, Susan"
"I feel such an honor to have had Francis as my friend over the years and grandfather to my son. Although I am an "ex" daughter-in-law, he and Eursel have always treated me with the same love and kindness as they always did. Francis lived a great life and passed on to his next life at home surrounded by his wonderful loving family...if only we all could have such a send off. I was wondering last Friday morning after hearing of his passing, how long it takes to get to the pearly gates? I looked out over the horizon, the sun was shining so brightly, the skys were so blue, and yet it was still snowing without any clouds! I've never seen anything like this before...I thought to myself, this is God's way of answering me... "He has arrived"!!"
"I first met Mr. Reissig in the late sixties. I always admired him. To this day I'll be doing something and realize that Mr.Reissig did it that way. More than likely I learned it from him."
"A good honest gentle man. We all will miss him."
"I did not know Francis that well but do remember from "family" gatherings that he came across as a "gentle soul" which is verified by the loving tributes to him. Eursel and family, my prayer for all of you is to cherish the memories and that you gain strength and comfort from them. Love, Georgia Lou Richardson"
"It has been my honor to know (and be related to),three great men in my life...My father (J.L. Cooksey), Uncle Francis and Uncle Buddy. I will always think of him as a "gentle giant", he seemed ten feet tall when I was a kid. I know he's in a better place although it's probably hard to take much solice in that right now. I feel like he's up there at the IHOP in the sky, eating Saturday night supper with Mom and Dad. He will be missed."
"We are so sorry for your loss. What a great life Francis lived, though! How many folks in this world live so long -- and keep their mind and body so intact! You all have to be proud of him, even in the midst of your sorrow! Gayla and David"
"Aunt Eursel, as you know, the good memories of Uncle Francis will always remain with me. Our good times as kids, learning to ski and going boating and riding in his fast cars. Our families had many great times together. There are too many things to name here, but he will be greatly missed by us all. Your loving niece, Peggy"
"I have so many wonderful childhood memories of Uncle Francis. I loved getting together at the lake house and spending time with all of the family. He will be truly missed."
"Dad- You were a great teacher by example of honesty, integrity and love. You were successful in every aspect of your life and had a huge impact on everyone you met.You did not demand but always received the respect you so deserved. As the patriarch of this family we learned from you and will never forget the important lessons you shared. I was honored to share the one time experience we will all eventually be faced with, as your caregiver. There was a bond so special I will never forget and it can never be taken away. You were so brave and so sweet. Once again I commend you. This experience has taught me more about life than I have learned in my 58 years. You are now in God's loving care and I know you are with us always and we will be with you again. All my love for eternity, Your loving daughter, Sandra Lee"
"Dear Eursel, Terry, Sandra, Lance and Skipper, It was our pleasure to know your husband and dad. He was always such a gentleman and a loyal friend. His demeanor demanded respect from all who met him. I personally will never forget you, Eursel, and Francis for being so kind to my mother and brightening her world so much. Not to mention we have a mutual and precious grandson that has even strengthened our bond. With our love, Gaylon and Nancy"
"Dear Eursel Lee, Terry, Sandra, Skipper, and Lance, It was a pleasure to have known your dad all of these years as neighbors at the lake. He was always a gentleman - such a kind and gentle person who will be greatly missed by all who had had the pleasure to know him. I appreciate his sincere friendship with my parents and later his concern for and interest in my youngest son, Kyle who spent many hours at the lake working on various projects. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Fondly, Dennie Dement Schmidt"
"To Eursel and your entire loving family... I don't know the words to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. Eursel, I will miss walking outside with you after appointments to visit with Francis... his warmest and most beautiful smile... the wisdom of his words... the firmness of his great handshake that only men of great ability and competence possess. I know that God is so very happy to have Francis home and that you all will be together again. He is always watching over you. Much love to you all, Shon"