Ernest Lee Reames

In Loving Memory Of
Ernest "Ernie" Lee Reames, 76, of Fort Smith, passed away on August 15, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1948, in Paris, AR, to Irene and Ernest Reames. He graduated from Paris High School in 1966 and attended Ouachita Baptist University on a track scholarship, earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1970.
In 1970, Ernie proudly began serving his country in the United States Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He faithfully served until 1987. On March 16, 1973, he married the love of his life, Delores "Dee" Law. Married for more than 47 years, their union was full of love, commitment, and a shining example to all who knew them.
Ernie and Dee moved to Fort Smith in 1976, where he began his career at Coca-Cola Bottling Company as a route salesman. He remained there until his retirement in 2011, after 35 years of dedicated service. During this time, he formed many of his closest friendships and became well-known across town as "the Coke man."
In 1984, Ernie's daughter, Lindsey, was born, followed by his son, Adam, in 1990. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and valuable life lessons, such as, "If you're early, you're on time, and if you're on time, you're late." He also cherished family vacations, treating them as sacred time together. In 2009, he became "Pops" to his granddaughter, Anniston, and in 2021 welcomed his second granddaughter, Stella.
Ernie was an avid outdoorsman and enthusiast of all things adventurous. He loved hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing, tubing, and spending long summer days on Lake Ouachita. Friends nicknamed him "Vacation Ernie," as he worked hard but vacationed even harder. He was also known for his teasing nature, his jumpiness, and his love of desserts-especially strawberry milkshakes and banana splits.
A man of faith, Ernie was a longtime member of Community Bible Church of Fort Smith before joining Community Bible Greenwood in 2024. Though his family and friends grieve his loss deeply, they take comfort knowing he is in the arms of Jesus, reunited with his beloved wife, and awaiting the day they will see him again.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and numerous relatives and friends.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lindsey and Nick Kennedy; granddaughter, Anniston Kennedy; his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Lauren Reames; granddaughter, Stella Reames; his brothers, Charlie Reames, Paul Reames, and James Reames; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A private Celebration of Life will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ernie Reames Memorial, Community Bible Church Greenwood, 601 N Ulmer St, Greenwood, AR 72936.