Raymond B. Reaves

Raymond B. Reaves, 86, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025. Raymond was born on January 6,1939 to Robert K. and Dorothy Reaves of Lipscomb, Alabama. Raymond was a 1957 graduate of Bessemer High School who spent his career working for the City of Bessemer, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Bessemer Fire Department. A long-time member of First United Methodist Church (Bessemer) and Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church (McCalla), Raymond’s Christian faith formed his outlook and guided his steps throughout his life. An avid sportsman, hunter and fisherman, Raymond was an accomplished athlete well into his 50s, a youth baseball and basketball coach, a loyal Bama football fan, a 50+ year member of Riverbend Hunting Club and an expert crappy fisherman. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Robert K. and Dorothy Ervin Reaves, two brothers, Robert E. “Pete” Reaves and Paul E. “Butch” Reaves, and a sister, Linda Griffith. He is survived by his bride of 66 years, Pat Pickens Reaves, two sons Benjie Reaves (Paula) and Greg Reaves (Isabel), six grandchildren, Nicholas Reaves, Amanda Reaves, Emily Reaves, Kika Reaves, Max Reaves and Elisa Wall (Nathan), great-granddaughter, Magdalene Wall, brother Donald W. Reaves (Carolyn) and sister Bobbie Busenlehner (Frank). Raymond was widely admired as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a trusted friend who possessed a clear sense of right and wrong. Working until nearly 80 years old, Raymond knew no limits when it came to supporting his family, often outworking men half his age, and was a strong example to his sons and all who knew him. The family expresses our sincere appreciation to our friends, extended family and church community for their support and love as well as Raymond’s incredible caregivers, Lue Smith, Lynn Underwood, Maxine Johnson, Lorraine Naves, and hospice nurse, Amanda Caldwell. The funeral will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla on Tuesday, January 14 and will be officiated by Rev. Willis “Bill” Kierce, President of the Francis Asbury Society. The viewing begins at 10am and the church service at 11am with graveside to follow in the Pleasant Hill Church cemetery.

Raymond B. Reaves

January 6, 1939 - January 9, 2025