Franco Paul Reever

Born on January 17, 1947, in Rome, Italy, Franco was the eldest child of Charles and Renata Reever. As the son of a United States serviceman and an Italian mother, his childhood was shaped by adventure as his family lived throughout the United States, Japan, and Germany. Those experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for people, cultures, and relationships. He graduated from Fort Knox High School in Kentucky before earning his degree from Western Kentucky University.

Franco began his professional career as a middle school teacher in Hendersonville, Tennessee, before discovering a passion for educational sales. Over the next 35 years, he built a distinguished career with several of the nation's leading educational publishers, where he became a respected sales leader and trusted mentor. He believed success was measured not only by results, but by helping others grow. Throughout his career, he invested in countless colleagues, encouraged young professionals, and formed lifelong friendships that extended well beyond the workplace.

One of Franco's greatest blessings was the life he shared with Susan. Their story began in educational publishing when Franco hired Susan to join his sales team. What began as a professional partnership soon became a lifelong friendship and a loving marriage built on mutual respect, shared adventures, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Together, they embraced every opportunity to explore the world. They enjoyed traveling with friends, cruising to new destinations, discovering different cultures, sharing exceptional meals and fine wine, and playing golf with the many lifelong friendships they built through the game. Their home away from home was Sandestin, where they created treasured memories with family over many years. For Franco, there were few places more peaceful than the balcony overlooking the Gulf. At day's end, he and Susan could often be found sharing a favorite bottle of wine while watching the sun set over the water—a simple tradition that perfectly reflected the life they built together.

Golf was one of Franco's lifelong passions. He devoted countless hours to the game he loved, serving as a Rules Official for the Georgia Golf Association, maintaining membership in the United States Golf Association (USGA), remaining an active member of the Georgia Senior Golf Association, and enjoying countless rounds with friends at his home course, Pinetree Country Club. He was equally passionate about the Kentucky Wildcats. Basketball season was one of his favorite times of the year, and cheering on Big Blue was a tradition he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

Franco is survived by his loving wife, Susan Davis Reever; his sons, Joe Reever and his wife, Tabitha, and Jay Reever and his wife, Lee; his grandson, Sean Cole Reever; his beloved bonus grandchildren, Gabriel Fleming and Hannah-Kaye Habib; his sisters, Gloria Gunn and her husband, Mike, and Sandra Killion; his nieces and nephews, Chris and Nancy Gunn; Leslie Holly and her son, Shane; David and Katie Killion and their children, Anna, Joseph, and Caroline; and Cooper and Ashley Killion and their children, Clayton and Christine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Renata Reever, and his brother-in-law, Wayne Killion.

Franco measured success not by titles or accomplishments, but by the relationships he built throughout his life. Whether mentoring a colleague, sharing a round of golf, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, exploring a new destination with Susan, or enjoying a quiet sunset at the beach with family and friends, he made every moment meaningful.

Those who knew Franco will forever hear his familiar reminder to "keep it in the short grass." More than a favorite golf expression, it reflected his optimism, steady perspective, and the gracious way he lived each day. His love for Susan, his devotion to his family, and the friendships he cultivated throughout his life will remain an enduring part of his legacy. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Pinetree Country Club. The memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Gene Siller Memorial Grant, which provides financial assistance to junior golfers in need throughout the state of Georgia by supporting those looking to learn, play and compete.

Online donations may be made here: Gene Siller Memorial Grant Donation Page

Checks may be made payable to:

Georgia PGA Foundation

Re: Gene Siller Memorial Grant

2205 Northside Drive NW

Atlanta, GA 30305

To learn more about the Gene Siller Memorial Grant, please visit: Gene Siller Memorial Grant Information

For all other inquiries, please contact Carly Riordan at [email protected].