Raymond “Ron” Reeves passed away at a local hospital, after a long illness, on July 27, 2009. Mr. Reeves was born in Crumus Creek, KY to Raymond Reeves and Lola Adkins Reeves, both deceased, as is his beloved step-father, Ben Hill. He is also pre-deceased by a sister, Betty Reeves. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joan Reeves, a sister-in-law, Diane Kellberg (Myron) of Orleans, MA; Two children, Ronald Reeves and Katherine Jarrett, both of Phoenix, AZ; Three nieces, Claudia Kellberg of Springfield, MA, Alta Hill of Charleston, SC and Kelly Stratton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; a nephew, Ray Strong of Bridgeport, AL; Four Grandchildren and a great-grandson, all of Phoenix, AZ.
Mr. Reeves was able to fulfill his boyhood dream of a 30 year career in the U.S. Navy. Most of those 30 years were spent at sea serving in some 10 ships. His favorite, however, was the U.S.S. St. Paul. He went on board at the age of 17 and remained there until he was 21. When the St. Paul was sent to Korea to take part in a naval blockade, he was assigned to a ship to shore fire control team directing the heavy cruiser’s eight and five inch batteries to their proper targets. Shore duty included deep sea diving school in Washington, D.C. and instructors school in Norfolk, VA. His last ship was the guided missile frigate U.S.S. England, which made 3, six month deployments to Vietnam, while he was aboard.
After leg surgery in the ‘70s, and facing an immediate disability retirement, Mr. Reeves requested a formal hearing in front of the Physical Evaluation Board in Great Lakes, IL. Several anxious months later he was found fit for duty and went on to become Master Chief of the Command at NDCTC, Philadelphia, PA. In 1976, he received the Navy Commendation Medal from the Secretary of the Navy. He retired on January 1, 1977.
A Graveside service and internment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.