Robert Dalton Reeves

Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Kessler Reeves, his two children, Teresa Bloodworth and Nancy (Warren) Ballard; five grandchildren, Zachary (Amy) Wade, April (Jared) Painter, Hailey Bloodworth, Courtney Ballard, Makenzie Bloodworth; and three great-grandsons; sisters Helen Johnson and Reba Vaughn of Alabaster, Alabama; sister, Ouida Shepherd of Bartlett, Tennessee; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Brannon of Lakeland, Florida and brother-in-law, Eugene Barrentine of Cottondale, Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lela Reeves, of Cottondale, Florida, and his sister, Bobby Toole, of Cottondale, Florida.

Robert was born on May 19, 1943. He graduated from Campbellton High School in 1963, after which he joined the Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1967. For a short period after that, Robert was a State Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol before moving to Jacksonville in 1972. Here he began his career with what is now CSX Railroad, working as a special agent in Property Protection before becoming a trainman and eventually a conductor. Robert retired in 1998 after 27 years of loyal service. However, he was always a farmer at heart.

Robert was a true and faithful husband and a loving father and grandfather. He never failed to provide for or protect his family. Although he was always a follower of Christ, it was not until retirement that Robert became involved in the church, first Woodstock Baptist and then Jones Road Baptist.

Later in life, Robert enjoyed vacationing with Joyce, taking bus tours and cruises. His family and friends will always remember him as a kind and hardworking man with a generous soul.

A viewing followed by a funeral is scheduled for 11:30 on Thursday, January 21 at Jones Road Baptist Church, after which Robert will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville. Pall Bearers will be Warren Ballard, Zachary Wade, Jared Painter, Eugene Barrentine, Todd Bloodworth, and Allen Higgs. A reception will follow at Baldwin Hitching Post. All are welcome to attend to remember Robert and celebrate his life.