Norman "Jerry" Gerald Reaves

Norman Gerald (Jerry) Reaves of Gadsden passed away February 4, 2022, at the age of 85. Jerry was born in 1936 in Calhoun County, Alabama. In 1954 he graduated Etowah High School and joined the U.S. Air Force that same year. In the Air Force, Jerry attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and language school at Cornell University in New York, where he learned Romanian. He was then stationed in Germany and served as a translator. Jerry treasured his time in the Air Force and made lifelong friends and memories there.

Following military service, Jerry graduated Jacksonville State University in 1962 with a B.S. in business. He met his wife, Betty Jane, while at Jacksonville. They were married in 1963. After working in Atlanta, they moved to Montgomery, where Jerry worked in the Finance Department for the City of Montgomery. During that time, their son, Sam, was born. In 1981, Jerry accepted the job as Finance Director, City of Gadsden, and the family moved to Gadsden. In addition to finance/purchasing, Jerry served in related roles for the City until retirement.

Jerry had a passion for serving God through serving people. He was a member of Twelfth Street Baptist Church, where he served on various committees and was a faithful member of the "Mavericks" (currently, Dr. Pete Brown's) Sunday School class. During his working career, Jerry was also a dedicated member of Civitan International, serving in various capacities, including local chapter president. He was a signee on the loan made to build Snellgrove Civitan Center. He was on the original board that created Hope Homes in 1992. HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People with Exceptionalities) Homes is dedicated to providing residential, habilitative services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Reaves; mother, Ellen H. Reaves; brother, Robert J. Reaves, Jr.; and sister, Ellen R. Smith. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Jane, Gadsden; son, Sam, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandson, Luke, Charlotte, NC.

Jerry's face lighted with a smile at sight of his grandson Luke. Jerry loved watching Alabama football; talking to people; telling jokes; taking afternoon drives in the country; having lunch with friends; target shooting; going to Wal-Mart (both for shopping and socializing); solving crossword puzzles; and listening to Gospel music! Everyone who knew Jerry will miss his love for people, his selflessness, and his sense of humor.

Pallbearers include Eugene Henry, Adam Smith, Scott Parris, and Mark James.

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Pete Brown, Robert Moore, Bud Stewart, Brent Brewer, Jim Thompson, Harold Igou, Harold Cornutt, Dean Harrell, Kyle Chambers, Jerry Pearson, Robert Durham, Arthur Middleton, Talmadge Holbrook, Milburn Long, and Jerry Gladden.

Visitation for Jerry will be held at Collier Butler Funeral Home - Thursday, February 10, 2022, 10 a.m.; followed by the funeral service, 11 a.m., in the Chapel; 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901. A brief graveside committal will follow at Ashland City Cemetery, Memorial Drive, Ashland, AL 36251, 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions in Jerry's memory be made to HOPE Homes (H.O.P.E. Inc.) 106 North 6th Street, Gadsden, AL 35903, https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.id-hopehomes.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!cZgSQjo8e0qMPwQyUs-Xmo0QxrVO2PWaSZFuAXWGQmL2vatqsrLzdHUN7-LtXUB-9MNqNnqpaw$ [id-hopehomes[.]org].

The family would like to thank Dr. Castillo, Dr. Kaleem; Charlene, Rachel, Jackson, and the rest of the staff at Gadsden Regional Hospital ICU; and the other physicians and staff who helped to care for Jerry.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Reaves family.