Edward Reeves

James Edward Reeves was born June 4, 1940 to Lenard and Marie Reeves in Stockbridge, Georgia. He shared his childhood with four brothers and five sisters. In 1962, he married his soulmate, Jane Neill. Edward was a great husband and an even more loving father to his four daughters, Chrissy, Tammy, Patty and Melissa (“Noochie”).

Edward had a passion for high school football. When healthy, he would go to games three nights a week. He has hundreds of spiral notebooks full of scores and a closet full of programs from games. Most times, he could tell you mid-season who was going to win the state championship. The greatest heartache for him and his loved ones was when he became too weak to attend the games in person. However, you could still find him with Jane’s phone to his ear listening on Friday night. He was truly a Griffin Bear!

His only passion greater than football was his love for his family. Edward loved his family with his whole heart. He always worked to provide for his family, even if it meant working two full-time jobs. His girls would all attest that they know that he would do anything for them. He also adored his grand boys. He and Jane never missed a game of Neill playing baseball or Tyler playing football. They attended every band and chorus concert, school play, and awards ceremony. He loved telling people about the places Jamie had traveled to and the things he had accomplished, or talking about all of the funny stuff Taylor did as a baby. The kids filled his world.

Then came Jalyn. She is the reason Edward lived the last seven years after his diagnosis. She brought a smile to his face and joy to his heart every day. Lastly, he had the joy of seeing two great-grandkids. Emery and Maddox brought him so much happiness. In his last days, they could bring a smile to his face when nobody else was able to. The family will always ensure that he remains alive in the children’s memories as they grow and to little Avery when she gets here in June.

Edward never gave up on life. Defying all odds, he fought to stay with his family to the very end. No one could have loved more. He will be so sorely missed.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, Lenard and Marie Reeves; in-laws, Henry and Carolyn Neill; brothers, Ernest, Roy and Paul Reeves; sister-in-law, Patty Reeves; and brothers-in-law, Mark Neill and Gene Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Neill Reeves; daughters, Chris and Perry Roberts, Tammy and Bill Jordan, Patty and Todd Hamm, and Melissa Reeves Fennell; grandchildren, Neill and Breanna Jordan, Jamie Jordan, Tyler and Amber Hamm, Taylor Hamm, and Jalyn Reeves; great-grandchildren, Emery and Avery (June 2019) Jordan and Maddox Hamm; brother, Steve Reeves; sisters, Ruby Phillips, Elsie and Bob Thomas, Connie and Irvin Burdette, Carol and Mac Callihan, Gail and Robert Rectenwald; sister-in-law, Sherry Neill; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He was retired from Roadway Express.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to family members Shelly and Cara Allen and Andrea, Savannah and Jackson Benson for their love and support during this difficult time. The family has truly been blessed with so many loving friends and family who have held their hands and prayed with them through this time. Also special thanks to Loribeth Gales, Janique Collier, and all the wonderful staff with Eternal Hope Hospice.

The visitation for James Edward Reeves will be Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Conner-Westbury. Funeral service will be on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 3:00 pm ion the chapel of Conner-Westbury. Interment will follow in Westwood Gardens

 

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