Robert Grover Reeves

Published 3:22 pm Monday, March 21, 2016

Robert Grover Reeves, 85, of Vinemont, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Cullman First Baptist Church, Dr. Tom Whatley officiating. Funeral services will begin at noon Wednesday, with burial in Cullman City Cemetery.

Mr. Reeves was born in Pittsboro, Miss., on June 25, 1930, to R.C. and Mattie Reeves. He joined the Air Force in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955.  He then attended Mississippi State University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1958. He married Irma Goodson the same year and began his career with the Mississippi Plant Board. They moved to Cullman, Ala., in 1973, where he worked for Chevron Chemical until his retirement.

He and his wife have been active members of Cullman First Baptist Church since 1976, where Grover has served as a deacon since 1985. They also served as one of the first welcoming committees. Every Wednesday morning, he and Ralph Parvin prepared breakfast for students and provided transportation when needed. After retiring he turned his love of cooking into a community and nationwide endeavor.  He embraced a ministerial pursuit combining his generosity, Christian faith and love of good food and people. Through his volunteer endeavors, he helped many organizations and churches with fundraising dinners. Almost 20 years ago, he collaborated with the ministerial association to start a Thanksgiving Day Meal for those who might not have a family or could not afford to prepare a meal. Since the inception of this program, over 20,000 people have enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal prepared by the caring Cullman community. He also distributed food during Christmas Love. For 18 years, Mr. Reeves and his best friend, Ralph served on numerous church building mission trips, providing three meals a day for the carpenters.

Because of his love of agriculture, he served on the Farm-City Committee for many years preparing the food for their awards banquet for many of those years.  Reeves severed nine years as a volunteer supervisor at Cullman County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he served on area and state boards. Reeves is a charter member of the Ag 100 Club of Mississippi State. He served as an honorary member of the Lions Club, selling more fish and ham tickets than any member. He was also honored by the Rotary Club with the Service Above Self Award in 2014. In 2005 and 2013, he was recognized by The Cullman Times as an Unsung Hero.

Reeves was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Frances Harris and Martha Floy Baker.

Reeves is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Irma Goodson Reeves; daughters, Jane Turner of Decatur, Ala., and Jeanne Reeves of Cary, N.C. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Grover Reeves Scholarship Fund, Wallace State Future Foundation, P. O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077.