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Reginald L. Pickering

Reginald L. Pickering (Reggie), of Marietta, Ohio, passed on peacefully in his home, Sunday, December 8, 2024. Reggie was born in Marietta on July 31, 1935, to his parents Charles and Regina (Dennis) Pickering. He is survived by his wife Janis and together, they have 8 children: Russ (Krystal) Pickering of Port Huron, Mich., Diana Novak of Asheville, N.C., Peggy (Gordie) Deer of Marietta, Carolyn Pickering of St. Cloud, Fla., Kim (Hal) Payne of Marietta, Marnie (Roger) Harrell of New Lexington, OH, Jana (Brian) of Marietta and John Smith of Marietta. This also includes 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with 1 on the way. In High School, Reggie played football and set school records in low and high hurdles as well as being part of the school record setting shuttle hurdle team. After graduating in 1953, Reggie joined the Marines and was given the "Outstanding Marine Recruit" award among other honors and became a jet engine mechanic. After his stint in the Marines, he enrolled in the local IBEW and worked for Pickering Electric Co. Inc., eventually becoming President. In 1988, he was given the "Labor/Management Award" by the AFL-CIO. At the end of his work career, Reggie became an Ohio State Electrical Safety Inspector and a Property Management Supervisor. But during his work life, Reggie was also active in community service. He was a Director of the YMCA, member of the Fraternal Order of Elks and Fraternal Order of Police, a Lieutenant for Marietta Police Auxiliary, Director for the Chamber of Commerce for 2 terms, President of Rotary International and President of the U.S. Jaycees (which he attained International Senatorship). As a Jaycee, he also received Leadership accolades and was named "Young Man of America". With all his accomplishments, the Ohio Senate also gave him the "Resolution of Honor" Award. Reggie still made time to watch and be involved in his children's sports and activities, and to hunt, fish, motorcycle, boat and ski. After his salvation and baptism in 1985, he got involved with the Church becoming a trustee. Reggie was a devout Christian even giving messages to the congregation. But with all he has done, his most gratifying work was done with the Sergeant Bob O'Malley 105th detachment of the Marine Corps League. Here he assisted the League to help veterans in numerous personal and public activities. During his tenure, he received 25 various Award Certificates and would eventually become the Chaplain of the detachment. For all his volunteer efforts, Corporal Reginald Pickering was inducted to the Washington County Veterans Hall of Fame in 2021 in a ceremony at Marietta College. Reggie's "Celebration of Life" will be at Valley View Baptist Church, in Reno, Ohio on Dec.19 at 11:00. It is the family's wish that all gifts be made to the Marine Corps League at P.O.Box 114, Marietta, Ohio 45750 or the Valley View Baptist Church at Box 301, Reno, Ohio 45773. Reggie will be remembered as a strong and loving father, and friend, that has touched many people and made the world a better place.

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