John Russell Reeves Jr.

John Russell Reeves Jr., 74, of Fayetteville, departed this life on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville after a most courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Oct. 29, 1937, in Little Rock, Ark., to John Russell Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Heriot Reeves. A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, he continued his education at the University of Arkansas, retiring in 2005 as a master mechanical designer in heating and air, working with Pettit and Pettit Consulting Engineers for over 36 years. Some of his favorite projects he worked on included the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville and many of the buildings on the U of A campus, including the renovation of Old Main in 1990-91. After retiring, he and Marty moved to Fayetteville in 2005 to be nearer to their family. John was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. A man with an enormous quiet faith loved the Lord, life and his family. He enjoyed cruising particularly to Alaska and took his fourth and final trip there in June of 2012 with his family. Although he visited many locales, including a trip to Germany in 2003, he insisted there was nothing better than cruising the inside passage of Alaska with Nick Arends, Marty's cousin. One of his favorite things to do was working in the yard, always making sure no blade of grass was out of order, and he always enjoyed keeping up to date with friends and family on computer. There was also that standing challenge to his grandson, Corbin, for a game on X-Box. John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha (Marty) Arends Reeves; a son, John Gregory (Greg) Reeves and his wife, Candace, and his beloved grandson, Corbin Russell Reeves, all of Fayetteville; his brother, Robert (Bob) Reeves and wife, Theresa, of Houma, La.; and many other family members to whom he was close. He also leaves behind his two furry friends and comforters, Shada Girl and Shugar Bear. John was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Charles and Lily Reeves. John's family would like to thank the staff of Highlands Oncology Clinic, Washington Regional Hospital and Washington Regional Hospice Home for their compassion and care given to him during his illness. The family will receive friends Friday, July 20, 2012, at Beard's Funeral Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville with the Rev. J. Anthony Holifield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to: 1) American Cancer Society/Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; 2) Central United Methodist Church, Community Meals, Music Dept., or any other missions, 6 West Dickson, Fayetteville, AR 72701; 3) Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 N. Longview, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.