He was a Christian and a deacon at Wilmar Baptist Church, where he was an active member for more than fifty years. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army and a graduate of Wilmar High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Willie Mae (Kemp) Reaves, three brothers: Tommie, Ralph and Robert (Bob) Reaves; five sisters: Jeanette Burt, Janice Pike, Betty Harrison, Martha Ruth Reaves and Dorothy Nell Reaves.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Wanda Beaty Reaves, a son, Keith, and wife Hilary of Rome, Georgia, a daughter, Rhonda Reaves Kohnen, and her husband, Kevin, of Locust Grove, Virginia; four grandchildren: Graham and Ellen Reaves and Clay and Kyle Kohnen ; two sisters: Mary Ann Gotham of Oxford, Michigan and Shirl Bunch of Benton, Arkansas; one brother, Kenneth Reaves of Warren; and two sisters-in law: Barbara Reaves of Cherokee Village, Arkansas and Lou Reaves of Wilmar.
Condolences(35)
Arthur Walmsley
Stuttgart, AR Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Praying for Wanda and all the family.R. Pettigrew
, CO Friday, October 18, 2013 With our deepest condolences.John 5: 28 & 29
Janice Kulbeth Gneiting
Parker, CO Saturday, October 12, 2013 Keith, Rhonda and Mrs Reaves.I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and husband. I was just there in Wilmar with my father as he passed away and with my mother. This is a special time as we draw close to God and gain a greater appreciation for our Savior, Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection. Because of Him, we can look forward to the time when we will be reunited with our beloved family members. He has made it possible. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Love Janice
Larry & Robbie Reaves
Warren, AR Friday, October 11, 2013 Dear Wanda & Family,So sorry to hear of James' passing. He was a wonderful individual and friend. I will never forget my relationship with him back when I was running the saw shop in Warren back in the latter 70's. He was my best customer and he taught me how to file a saw chain! He will be missed. You are in our prayers. May God give you a special portion of His grace.
Jay & Theresa Boyd
Broken Arrow, OK Friday, October 11, 2013 Mrs. Wanda, Keith and Rhonda. I still have many fond memories of time spent in Wilmar. Mr. James was a kind man and everyone in your family was so nice to me. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family.Janis Smith
Malvern, AR Friday, October 11, 2013 This world has lost another treasure, but Heaven is a better place because of the strong Christian he was, There are no words that are adequate, but I would just like you all to know how very much he was loved by Walter and Jeannette and their family,. Then by me and our children. He will be missed by so many people. I am praying for you all that you can get through this, I know how difficult it is. MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU.Juanita Mosley Sain
McGehee, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 Wanda, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's death. My prayers and love are with you and yours. Mrs. MosleyAlvin and Irma james
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 Wanda and family, so sorry to hear about James. He was a special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you'll. Out of State but will be in touch.Alvin and Irma james
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 Wanda and family, so sorry to hear about James. He was a special guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you'll. Out of State but will be in touch.Joan (Watts) Davidson
, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 Hey Wanda, so sorry to hear of the passing of James. I know you will miss him as will many others. Praying God will put His arms around you and comfort you and your family always.LaMar Hunter
Wilmar, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 May the Lord bless the family.Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 My heart hurts for you all at this time of loss. James was a wonderful Christian man who lived his faith daily and friend to all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I pray God surrounds you with his loving arms, gives you peace and comfort. With love & sympathy, Janice Wiggam McAllister.Larry & Bea Tucker
Wilmar, AR Thursday, October 10, 2013 Wanda, Keith, and Rhonda,I know your hearts are broken at this time. James was a true example of a christian. He loved the Lord and loved his family. He taught his children to love the Lord. It is very hard to give someone up but it is also a comfort to know that James is with his heavenly Father. We counted James as a wonderful friend and christian brother. He had a great sense of humor and loved picking on me. Your family has been a blessing to us and we love you. I know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment for all of you but I know your faith in the Lord is strong and he will take care of you.
Robbie Clark Bowers
Teaxarkana, TX Wednesday, October 9, 2013 My sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one.I went to school with Kenny and my youngest sister with Marcia. .I know God will give you the strength and comfort you all need now and in the days ahead. God Bless Each of You.Tona Wesson
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Mrs. Wanda, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. I have known you all for as far back as I can remember. Love you all and may God wrap you in His loving arms.Ruth Hunter
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Wanda & family:I know how much you will miss James. Wanda, I encourage you to draw on your strength and the strength of your family. Perhaps you could use your special talent of scrapbooking to make a lasting memory book of James and the family..He was always the same every time you saw him. I remember many years ago when his family lived down the road from us on 133 when his parents lost their precious little Dorothy.
With love,
Ruth & Lamar Hunter
Hazel Potts
monticello, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Dear Wanda and familyI was so sorry to hear of James going home to be with the Lord. He was a wonderful person who loved his family and the Lord. He will be greatly missed .Our prayers are with you at this time.
Hazel and family
Shane Williams
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 My Prayers are with you always, but truly now, during your loss. But you should try Not to think of this as our loss, but as Heaven's gain. :)Bruce Brown
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Thoughts & prayers are with you. I always enjoyed our visits & swapping stories with him.Barbara Beaty
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Wanda , so sorry about James and I haven't been able to come see you all . My love, prayers and sincere sympathyfor all of you during this time and in days to come . Will see you as soon as I am able to come Love to all Barb and AlJohn England
Lilburn, GA Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the passing of James. He was a good, kind man and will be missed.Bobbie Ross
Warren, AR Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Wanda and family, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. To know James was to love him. He was an inspiration to so many people. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.J Mark Harrison & Family
Rome, GA Wednesday, October 9, 2013 We love you and your family and are keeping you all in our prayers. I think about the words Jesus spoke on the night before He died:Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in Me.
In My Father's house there are many dwelling places...
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you also may be....
Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give you...
Do not let your hearts be troubled of afraid. John 14
Please let me know if there is anything I can do. God bless you and your family.
Mark
Robert Alan "Buddy" McDaniel
West Memphis, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Wanda, Keith and Rhonda,So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a fine christian man and will be remembered and missed by many.
May God give you peace and comfort during these times.
Robert McDaniel, Grandson of Ben and ElNora McDaniel
U.S.& Marilyn Guy Reed
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Keeping your family in my prayers.Mark and Laura Ferguson
Hermitage, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Our prayers are with your family, Mrs. Wanda. We are so blessed to have known Mr. James and your entire family over the years. Love you allCarolyn Curry
Warren, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Wilmar. Wanda, you and James are certainly a part ofthose memories. Our Lord requires that we live our lives well; you and James have done that. I love you.
Carolyn
Kristina Gotham Johnson
Lapeer, MI Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Sorry to hear of James passing today. I have wonderful memories of visiting your place and picking watermelon from your garden and drinking Aunt Wanda's sweet tea. I love the picture Marcia posted on FB of Uncle James sitting on the porch - that is just how I remember him. Praying for God's peace for the family now...I'm not sure what is harder - watching your loved one being taken slowly by illness or having to say goodbye. Love to you all.Gene & Cathy Kohnen
Mountain Home, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 We are so sorry for the loss of this very special man. James was a wonderful family man, and Christian. Your entire community will miss his contributions and work to your Church and township.Carol Griffin
Rome, GA Tuesday, October 8, 2013 My thoughts and prayers go out today for your family.Charlie Avery
Severn, MD Tuesday, October 8, 2013 My heart goes out to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.James & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. James was a wonderful man and willing to give his testimony at any time. Heavan has a wonderful addition. With deepest sympathy.Mary and James
Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Dear Wanda and family,I am so saddened by the news of James' passing but so glad that I know he has passed into the arms of the Lord he loved so much. May that God of love lift you up and give you the comfort and peace that only HE can at a difficult time like this. Please know you are in my heart and prayers at this time.
Love,
Carole
McRae Owens
Wichita, KS Tuesday, October 8, 2013 s my oldest and dearest friend and I'll sorely miss him.Love, Mc
McRae Oqwns
wICHITA, KS Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Wanda' The worls is a much poorer place now that James has left us. But, Heaven has gained a shining new light. He was my dearest friend in thw whole world. He mwill be sorely missed.