Dee'Arius Reese, also known as "Man-Man" or "Reese", gained his wings and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Dee'Arius was born on September 21, 2000 in Akron, Ohio to Linda Wilkerson and Donald Reese. He attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 2019. After graduating high school, Dee'Arius attended Iowa Western Community College in hopes to attend a Division I college shortly after.

Dee'Arius loved sports but football was his passion. He began playing pee wee football at a young age and it became a career for him. He played offensive and defensive line during his high school years and was awarded first team, all district, city, and state during his senior year. He aspired to play in the NFL and make his family proud.

Dee'Arius was a loving, caring, influential, and passionate young man. He had a beautiful smile and was full of life. His smile would light up a room! Dee'Arius always looked out for people around him and made sure everyone felt welcomed. He was the male-figure and protector of his all-female family. He didn't play about his sisters! He was the little, big brother. Dee'Arius was overjoyed when he welcomed his son, Dee'Arius Reese Jr. on October 8, 2020. After welcoming his baby boy, he had a new outlook on life. Dee'Arius touched many lives and will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on.

Dee'Arius was preceeded in death by his mother, Linda Wilkerson; grandmother, Melva "Jean" Wilkerson; great grandmother, Lillie "Madea" Mixon, and cousin, Deriel Mixon.

Dee'Arius leaves to cherish his son, Dee'Arius Reese Jr.; his father, Donald Reese; his aunts, Shirley Hill (Richard), Minister Stephany Johnson, and Letha Wilkerson; sisters, Curtisha Mitchell, Jasmine Jones (Stanley Mitchell), Precious Reese (Devante Fry Sr.), Deericka Reese, Deneisha Reese (Moo-Moo), Deeriel Reese (Fat-Fat); brothers, Rayshawn Thomas, Brice Bronner, Chad Stephens, Antonio Guice; a host of nieces and nephews; significant other, Dejah Ryals; East Dragons Football coaching staff and players; mentor, Coach Marques Hayes, and a host of loving family and friends.