William Dewey Reaves

William Dewey Reaves was born March 16,1918, in Grady County, Georgia, near Ochlocknee. His parents were William R. and Jetta Reaves. He lived with his parents and older brother, Leroy Reaves, in the Thomasville, Georgia, area until his late teen years. He moved to Columbus, Georgia, in 1935 and worked with his father in the Columbus Farmers Market while he also delivered meals for the GooGoo Restaurant by motorcycle for several years. He returned to Thomasville, Georgia, and married Yvonne Davis in May of 1941. They had two children – William D. Reaves, Jr. and Hazel Reaves Robinson. Dewey and Yvonne enjoyed fifty-five wonderful years together until her death in July of 1996.

After his marriage in 1941, Dewey operated a grocery store in Thomasville, Georgia. He was a partner in a cabinet/trim business in Albany, Georgia, in the late 40s/early 50s. He joined his father in his demolition business in Columbus, Georgia, in 1953. He eventually bought that business and operated Reaves Wrecking Company until his retirement in 1979.

In addition to his demanding work, he also found time for hobbies and interests: He was an avid

outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, gardener, woodworker, boater, and traveler. He was a

member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Columbus. He was a member of The Exchange club for many years.

He is survived by his children: Bill Reaves and Hazel Robinson (Rob, d.); his grandchildren: Craig Reaves (Pam), Chris Moore (Kenny), Todd Reaves (Storey); his great-grandchildren: Laurel Downs (Thomas), Grant Reaves (Lawren), Rachel Wainwright (Payton), William D. Reaves III, Smith Reaves, Isobel Reaves; and his great-great-grandchildren: Ellie Sue Downs and Jetta Mae Downs. He is also survived by his sweetheart, Ms. Carolyn Nesmith, who has been such a blessing in his later years. He also leaves behind a tremendous number of longtime close friends whom he counted as life’s greatest blessings.

He was exceedingly generous with his time and talents. He fed families from his garden, built

lots of fine furniture for his friends and family, and offered a lot of wisdom to them as well –

usually through a funny or witty phrase. One of his favorites was “Science and skill will always

prevail over ignorance and superstition”.

Dewey truly leaves a legacy of integrity, honesty, wit, wisdom, humor, and a strong work ethic

to all who knew him.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday to celebrate Dewey’s life. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church - Building Fund, P.O. Box

4747, Columbus, GA 31904 or Columbus Hospice- 7020 Moon Rd., Columbus, GA 31909.