William Maxwell Reeves

William Maxwell Reeves, 92, of Canton, Mississippi passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 at his home. A graveside service will be held at Canton City Cemetery on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Billy was born on May 1, 1928 in Walnut Grove, Mississippi to Milton Allen “Mitt” and Otis Amanda Langston Reeves.

He graduated from Walnut Grove High School, where he was affectionately known as "Billy Mack." He attended East Central Community College. He spent his career in the hardware business, owning Crystal Springs Hardware and working for Moore-Handley and Orgill Brothers Hardware. He was a skilled carpenter, who enjoyed building and working outdoors after his retirement and into his late 80s.

For decades, he was a sought-after boat driver in national and international water ski tournaments. He won the American Water Ski Association's Fred Wiley Award for the outstanding driver at the Water Ski National Championships six times in the 1970s and 1980s. He is co-founder of the Cedar Ridge Skiers association and lake in Madison County. A talented singer, he sang bass for a gospel quartet called “By His Grace” for decades. He was also a faithful member of Center Terrace Baptist Church in Canton, where he served as a deacon and choir member.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mamie Ruth Reeves and Rose Ann Reeves Jones; wife of 50+ years, Nita Tucker Reeves; and step-son, Jerry Marshall.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Kate Duncan; wife, Edna Reeves, along with her children, Billy Cook (Rebekah), Jimmy Cook (Patricia), Shirley Church (Ferrell) and their six children. He is also survived by nieces, Mitsy Bailey, Amanda Gregory, Becky Sanders, Renez Lantrip, and Barbara White; nephews, Danny Jones and George Jones; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.