Rad Elwyn Reavis, 83, of Madison passed away on January 3, 2019, of a sudden illness. Mr. Reavis, a native of Beaumont, Texas, resided in Madison since 1994. He had a lengthy career in Civil Service as a Department of Defense school teacher in Germany, and as a Director of Religious Education for the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Redstone Arsenal, AL.
Mr. Reavis earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Lamar University when he was 20 years old, and a master’s degree in music education from University of North Texas at 22.
He and the love of his life, Mary, embarked on their lifelong journey of love 1957. Their sense of adventure took them to over 60 countries, starting in 1959. Rad was a talented musician and served as choir director and soloist at military chapels throughout his career. He continued to serve as a Deacon for the First Baptist Church of Madison after retiring. His joys were the love and care of his family, and in service to his Master, Jesus Christ.
Mr. Reavis is survived by his wife, Mary Lowry Reavis; his son, Mark Reavis (Michelle) of Madison; his sister, Rosie Stanley (Boe) of Perry, Georgia; his brother, Paul Reavis of San Antonio, Texas; and his affectionate rescue dog, Annie. His daughter, Mary Catherine Reavis, and brother, Don Reavis, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on Thursday, January 10, 2019. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019, at the First Baptist Church of Madison, with the Reverend Bert Breland officiating.
