Wayne Boyd Reeves Sr.

Wayne B. Reeves, Sr. was born at home in Kingston, GA, February 26,1935, to Clara and Leonard Reeves. Wayne did well in school and graduated a year early from Adairsville High School. After spending a summer at the local textile mill with his mother and sister, Wayne decided he wanted something more adventurous, and joined the Army, hoping the GI Bill would help him escape the poverty he experienced as a child. The Army found a place for him in Alaska at a remote outpost known as Wildwood Station, where he was tasked with monitoring rocket launches, including the rocket that placed the Sputnik satellite into orbit. Gaining experience in rocketry, and wanting to avoid the cold of Alaska, he left the Army and moved to Cape Canaveral, FL, where he worked for Douglas Aircraft, and others, in the early years of the space program. He spoke of the early space age and how more rockets exploded on the launch pads than reached upper altitudes.

Once Wayne left the Army, he spent time at several colleges, including Shorter College, in Rome, GA where he met his future wife, Amelia Padgett. He knew he had found his perfect companion, but it took a few years before he was able to win her over. Wayne went on to graduate from South Georgia College in Douglas, GA, obtain his Masters from Georgia State and, finally, marry his bride, Amelia. He attended law school before they settled in Marietta, GA where they delighted in raising their three sons, Wayne, Jr., Bill and John.

The bulk of Wayne's career was spent at Lockheed working in both the Personnel and Labor Relations departments. For a year, in the early 70s, Lockheed needed Wayne for an assignment in California and paid to transport the family out west. They took advantage of every opportunity to visit all the tourist sites while en route and on the weekends. Wayne's desire to ensure his family's stability also prompted him to start a printing business right off the Marietta Square, where he spent much of his time when not working at the airplane plant.

After his children graduated from high school, Wayne retired from Lockheed and worked solely at the printing business, more as a hobby than an occupation. He had many friends, past Lockheed co-workers, former politicians and acquaintances that would stop by to visit him to talk politics, current affairs and just about anything relating to history. He valued all of those relationships and his opinions and advice were sought after by many.

Once his grandchildren started coming along, they were the light of his life. He loved nothing more than being in their presence and being involved with their birthday parties, sporting events and other activities.

Wayne believed in the American dream and the opportunities it provided. Above all, he was a wonderful role model who, by example, displayed for his children and grandchildren how to live a life based on Christian values, work ethic and civic involvement.

Upon his death, Wayne had no regrets or unfulfilled dreams. He obtained the most from life and what it had to offer. He had come a long way from the little country boy who once planted a penny in hopes of growing a money tree so his family would no longer be poor.

Wayne was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Amelia Padgett Reeves, along with his parents Leonard and Clara Reeves and his siblings Raymond, Milton, Leonard and Margie.

He is survived by his sons Wayne Reeves, Jr. (Tammy), Bill Reeves and John Reeves (Barbara). Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren Wayne Reeves, III (Fatima), Aaron Reeves, Dylan Reeves and their mother Melanie Reeves, Griffin Reeves, Kasey Decker and Mason Decker.

Visitation will be held May 16, 2024 at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta from 5:00 to 7:00. Interment will be at Georgia National Cemetery May 17, 2024 at 11:00.