George Reaves

September 18, 1926 - February 4, 2012
George Reaves

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George Reaves, 85, of Wilmington passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012 at his home.

He was born on September 18, 1926 to the late Joe Reeves and Ernestine Carroll Reeves.

George is survived by his wife of 61 years, Hilda Turner Reaves of the home; two sons, George Elwer Reaves, Wilmington and Bert O. Reaves (Angela), Calabash; and one daughter, Alice Reaves Smithey, Wilmington. Seven grandchildren, Whitney Reaves Gililand (Roy), Oxford, KS, David Smithey, Jr., Wilmington, Paul Smithey (Lindsey), Wilmington, Allsion Smithey(Luke), Wilmington, Candace Reaves Sexton (Chris), Southport, Brittney Reaves Hill (Derek), Rocky Point, and Austin Reaves, Bamburg, Germany; three step-grandchildren, Kayla Little, Emily Little, and Megan Little, Calabash; two great grandsons, Yates Gililand and Quaid Gililand, Oxford, KS. In addition he is survived by three sisters, Evelyn Connor, Delco, Luna Robinson, Wilmington, and Nancy Behn, Currie; and many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe Reeves, Jr, Leland, and Herbert Reeves, Delco; one sister Peggy Young, Leland; and his loving and loyal companion of 18 years, his dog “Coco”.

George was a US Army veteran of WW II, and was assigned to the 925th AAA Air Wing Battalion at Leyte, Philippines from 1945-1946, his military awards include Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct, Meritorious Unit Award, and WW II Victory Medal. He retired from Babcock and Wilcox on March 1, 1983 after 30 years of service.

George began attending The Pentecostals of Wilmington Church in 1955 and has faithfully served for over 57 years in various roles including Sunday School teacher of the Junior High Boys Class, and in the church orchestra playing the Mandolin. He enjoyed pushing his grandchildren in his homemade wheelbarrow, fishing, hunting, and building various things such as a butter bean sheller, Benson gyro copter, go carts, and many other things. He loved cars, motorcycles, Dr. Pepper, and shrimp. Above all George was a loving husband, daddy, papa, and friend. A true Christian and family man who leaves behind a Godly legacy for his family and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 am Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at The Pentecostals of Wilmington Church, 3615 Chippeham Dr., Wilmington officiated by Pastor Floyd Morris, and assisted by Rev. Jonathon Feld. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

The family will see friends from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday, at The Pentecostals of Wilmington Church.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • February 06, 2012
    Ron&Mary Law says:
    Dear Sister Hilda&Family, You are in our PRAYERS and thoughts we pray God will send HIS ANGELS to comfort each of you. Love in CHRIST JESUS. Bro. Ron & Sis. Mary Law & Family

  • February 05, 2012
    Lecia Reeves Cox says:
    Hilda and family, so sorry for your loss but so glad you had George for so many years. I remember so well your visits to mama's and papa's (Jake & Blanch).As sad as it to lose those you love it's comforting when you know they're a child of God. May God's loving grace give you comfort and peace during this time.

  • February 05, 2012
    John and Sandra Malpass says:
    Aunt Hilda and family, You are in our prayers! May the Lord wrap you in His arms and give the peace that only He can give! Uncle George has always been special to us and we will greatly miss Him. Love you, Sandra and John

  • February 06, 2012
    Roy Barnhill says:
    Many are the memories that will last a lifetime. Bro. Reeves was my Jr. Boys Sunday School teacher and I trust he forgave me, Mike Williams, David Hines & Elwer for giving him a hard time. He will forever be loved and remembered.

  • February 07, 2012
    Dorothy Sullivan & Family says:
    Very sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.