A. J. "Jay" Reeves

Abram James “Jay” Reeves, age 90, passed away December 25, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Velda (Simpson) Reeves; sons, Richard Kenneth Reeves, Timothy Jay Reeves and Talbert James Reeves; grandson, Ericson Reeves.

Jay is survived by his wife, Mettawe Reeves; sons, Terry Reeves (Dede), Marc Reeves (Susan) and Art Reeves (Catherine); brother, Joe Reeves (Alberta); sisters, Joyce West and Deloris Barham; grandchildren, Cammy Withrow (Edward), Ryan Reeves (Polly), Brittany Mims (Kyle), Lindsy Conklin (Daniel), Lacee Farrell (Allen), Megan Bare, Adam Reeves (Hope) and Kristen Reeves; great-grandchildren, Tanner Withrow, Kendall King (Kyle), Jarren Bartholetti (Tony), Eli Reeves (Rebecca), Eowyn Reeves, Bella and Beckham Bare, Ava Kepler, Will Kepler and River Reeves Farrell; great-great grandchildren, Krew King and Charlee Bartholetti.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to family members Angela Reeves and Theresa Palmer for the love and care they gave to Jay. The family also wants to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Creekside Health and Rehabilitation for the loving care they gave to Jay.

Jay graduated from Marion County High School, Baylor Military Academy and the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida, he played football where he was voted Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and was All SEC. After graduation, he coached high school football in Lake City and Sarasota, Florida.

During World War II, Jay was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.

Jay was involved in many areas during his life. Some of these included coaching football and boxing, coal and oil businesses as well as trucking and mulch manufacturing business. During the 1960s through the early 1980s, he owned and operated Jay’s Industrial Chemicals, and 1975–1983 he owned and operated Jay’s Tennessee Barbecue Restaurant.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Hermitage Funeral Home, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN with his grandson, Ryan Reeves, officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 pm prior to the service.

In addition to floral tributes, memorial contributions may be made in Jay’s honor to the Nashville Rescue Mission, 639 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN 37203.