William (Bill) Patrick Reeves, Jr.

William (Bill) Patrick Reeves Jr., age 91, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020. He was born in New Haven, CT on June 21, 1928 to William Patrick Reeves, Sr and Colleen Foley Reeves.
Bill was a decorated WWII Army veteran and served in the Philippines. He moved to Valdosta in 1958 as manager of the Southeastern Reduction Company at South Georgia Pecan, retiring from there at the age of 55. He received his Master’s Degree in History at age 66 and taught classes at Valdosta State University, Georgia Military College and North Florida Community College and volunteered at the Lowndes County Historical Museum. He practiced tai chi for over 27 years and enjoyed his tai chi “family”.
Bill had a great sense of humor, never met a stranger, and had an endless supply of stories of Valdosta’s history and people. His quick wit and storytelling kept everyone entertained. He enjoyed people, animals, reading, gardening, scotch, and history of all kinds.
Bill is survived by his wife Liz Chapin; his daughter, Dana Reeves of Seattle, WA; his sons Patrick Reeves and Sean (Lori) Reeves, of Memphis, TN; stepsons Gabe Chapin of Homer, AK, Josh Chapin of Tupper Lake, NY; grandchildren Quinn Cosgrove, Megan Cosgrove, Parker Reeves, Ginger Kelley, Austin Reeves, and Clark Richard Reeves; three great grandsons; his brother Chuck Long of Zachary, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his sister, Colleen Wilcox.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, February 28, 2020 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Brian LaBurt officiating. Burial will be at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens and a reception will follow at Park Place, 108 W. Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA, 31602.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.