William Edward Reavis, 81 years old, closed his earthly chapter on July 3, 2024.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty Clemons Reavis; his father, George Reavis; his mother, Bertie Berryhill Reavis; two brothers, Frank Reavis and Norman Reavis. He is survived by three children, Tina Ingle (Mark Ingle), Darlene Hall (Toby Hall), and Keith Reavis (Amy Reavis); 8 grandchildren, Trevor Moore, Fischer Hall, Lauren Moore, Keyton Hall Bonebrake, Luke Reavis, Bethany Hall, Abby Reavis, and Aiden Hall; and bonus grandchildren, Josiah Bonebrake, Jacqueline Key, Campbell Melson, and Becky Thomas
Born on May 7, 1943 in Huntsville Alabama, he was a proud 1961 graduate of S.R. Butler High School. Growing up in the Merrimack Mill Village area and attending Joe Bradley School, he knew and loved sharing the history of Huntsville. After graduation, he enlisted and served 4 years (1962-1966) in the US Air Force as a Crew Chief on the F105 Thunder chief. He was very proud of his time in the Air Force. He met and married Betty Clemons the love of his life (1967). Rarely seen apart, they were married 53 years before she lost her battle with cancer. During this time, he never left her side. Providing a good life for his family was very important, he worked two jobs while attending Jacksonville University where he graduated with a BS in Business Management (1977). He worked as a Logistic Specialist with the US Army for over 30 years. After retiring from the US Army, he continued working for various defense contractors located in the Huntsville area. Bill was a wonderful Christian man who knew the word of God and he lived it. He was a role model for so many people. Showing everyone including his family, to work hard and not give up, that God is the source of strength. He never met a stranger that he did not leave an impression on. Even when he was at his worse, he would thank those who were helping him.
In 2021, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This did not slow him down. As a strong Christian, he inspired others daily. He regularly attended classes at the Parkinson’s Dynamic center also known as Rock Steady Boxing. He loved the friends and coaches that he interacted with on a daily basis. Boxing was the highlight of his day.
To all those who knew and loved Dad you would know what a gentleman he always strove to be. He would definitely say, “Thank you” right now to everyone…Thank you.
Visitation will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home on July 8, 2024 from 12 – 2 pm. Service following. Burial will be at Huntsville Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Parkinson’s Dynamics (Rock Steady Boxing), PDyn.org or PO Box 2440 Huntsville, AL 35804, an organization he loved and had become his second family.
