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Thomas REAVES Obituary
"John" 67, passed away peacefully August 1, 2017. John was survived by his two sons, David and Stephen; daughter, Layla; sister, Caroline Reaves; five grandchildren; former wife, Patti Reaves; and loving family. He will always be remembered for having a huge heart who was passionate about his family, friends, and the University of Florida football. Services will be held 1 pm, August 5, at South Tampa Fellowship, 5101 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611, (813) 251-1515.
www.brewerfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas REAVES
sonny foreman
July 28, 2024
Forever in our memory.
sonny foreman
July 28, 2023
His memory is eternal our friend, fraternity Bro. and classmate
sonny foreman
July 28, 2022
You are always with us. R.I.P.
Camille C Symons
July 28, 2021
Ever in our hearts, John, your glory days are also ours to remember with joy. Thank you for that.
sonny foreman
July 28, 2020
A friend, classmate and great competitor.
sonny foreman
July 28, 2019
John you are always with us.
Margie Glenn
August 31, 2017
John and Patti Reaves witnessed to me and my now husband Michael Glenn in 1983 while painting their house and going through a very difficult time in our lives. This lead us to the Lord and we've been serving Jesus ever since. It changed our lives forever. Thank you Reaves family.
Elizabeth Broussard
August 13, 2017
I never knew John personally but followed his whole career through his wonderful sister , Caroline , whom I had the pleasure of meeting forty years ago in New Orleans . I thought of her often over the years , and I always thought of John also . May he rest in .Peace . My prayers are with you Caroline.
Mike Cohen
August 11, 2017
I first met John Reaves at his football camp in Lakeland, FL in the summer of 1987. I knew him from his days with the Bandits but I had been hearing of exploits at Florida from my step-dad for years. We had a great week, Wayne Peace was there, Coach Spurrier stopped by, and several other former Bandits coached us up as well. Coach Reaves really helped me improve my throwing that week and I learned a ton. Fast forward to 1990 - I was a walk-on QB at Florida when Coach Spurrier was hired and Coach Reaves was the tight ends coach. He immediately remembered the football camp and ultimately gave me the nickname "Throwin' Cohen". and continued to encourage me throughout my time there. He could still throw incredibly well, perfect throwing motion, tight spirals, great arm. He also served as Coach Spurrier's eye in the sky during the games. Thank you for everything Coach Reaves, it was an honor to know you.
David Withers
August 11, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I had only seen you once while playing with the Oilers. Has been a long time since we had a chance to talk. since.
Dr. Larry
August 7, 2017
I grew up a huge Gator fan and was 12 years old when the "super sophs" hit Gainesville, with John Reaves as their leader. I always thought he would have won the Heisman if there hadn't been the coaching change. Now reunited with coach Graves he can finish those last 2 years we never got to see. I guess the Bandits showed us what we missed. At least he won the SEC as a coach. RIP fellow Gator.
Monica Hardee-Hamer
August 7, 2017
David,
My heart breaks for your loss. I know how special your father was to you. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jennie Scionti
August 7, 2017
Caroline, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Debbie Mack Irwin
August 6, 2017
God's Comfort & Strength over David, Stephen, Layla and grandchildren. As a child I remember John and his family from the Silver Sixties Gator Football Reunions every summer in Crystal River. Prayers and Love
sonny foreman
August 5, 2017
John was a fellow Gator, fraternity brother, and a great friend. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. His memory will remain in our hearts.
Chucho Maya
August 5, 2017
Sorry to see you leave this life, you are in peace now. RIP, Old gator friend Chucho.
Warren Gaffney
August 5, 2017
I will always remember John as being a great guy with a great spirit and a game changer. GG.
yvonne watkins
August 5, 2017
i had the biggest crush on John in high school; he once kissed me on the cheek and i almost fainted!
so handsome, so talented, so kind.
prayers & strength to your family & friends
yvonne watkins
Jamie Cannon
August 5, 2017
Will miss my buddy.
Had alot of great memories with him growing up.
Played flag football with him at Palma Ceia playground.
We won the city championship 2 years in a row.
Remember him telling me to go deep and he would lay it in my hands and he did.
Enjoyed seeing him at Palma Ceia in the mend grill.
Will miss his beautiful smile and his sense of humor.
Lost a great friend.
Love u buddy .
Jerry Bell
August 5, 2017
John I can remember you and Patty came down to the hospital and prayed for my dad before he had open heart surgery. I am thinkful for y'all. think you p.s. I was your plumber god bless you.
Susan Bailey
August 5, 2017
My sincerest condolences to The Reaves family. My late husband Tom and I became friends with John and Patti in the early 70's while they were teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles, despite the fact that we were Seminoles and they were Gators. We remained friends for several years, and to this day I still have photos of smiling John and beautiful Patti that provide wonderful memories of when we were young and the future was bright. May God give the family strength and may he welcome John home to heaven.
Trina Hewett-Bertoldi
August 5, 2017
RIP, John, my friend from childhood at Madison and Robinson. Peace be with you. Praying for you and all your family.
Jim Mills
August 4, 2017
I went to Robinson High with John and was in awe of him a a person and quarterback. I was always a Gator fan and followed his career at Florida and also in the NFL and Bandit Ball. One of my biggest blessings was going to a prayer breakfast where he was the speaker. They had a drawing for a signed football from John and with over 100 men and boys there, I never figured I would win. My name was drawn and as I walked to get the football from John he threw the ball to me. I shook his hand and thanked him, told him I had gone to Robinson with him and thanked him for his Christian testimony. He had signed the ball, "Jesus is Lord."
I am thankful that John knew Christ as his Savior and is now in the presence of Jesus in Heaven. I look forward, as all of those who know Christ as their Savior do, to seeing John in Heaven and forever being with the Lord and all the Saints. Thank you John for what you meant to your family, friends, loved ones, classmates and all who knew you. God bless His family until we meet again.
LD Martin
August 4, 2017
Rest In Peace John. One fine Gator!
August 4, 2017
Rest In Peace - you have made Gator Nation proud!
Frances Smith
August 4, 2017
RIP. You are in Gods hands now he will take good care of you.You have left behind some wonderful memories for family, friends and Gator Nation.
You will be truly missed by all. Blessings to the family.yC
Chuck Kelly
August 4, 2017
To the family of John, Chuck Kelly here, John and coached at South Carolina together, John Loved two things i know, first his family, He was so proud of his kids and talked about them all. It was clear he was a family man and loved being a daddy. He loved the game!Football was his passion, NO DOUBT it was got him going.But i do remember most is that John and I talked a lot about his faith. John was a believer and we talked several times about our assurance of heaven. John had accepted the Lord and knew this was not his home. I look forward to seeing my bother in Christ again! Please know i praying for the family as i type, You all are being lifted up. May our LORD'S peace take a hold of your heart. IN HIS HANDS.
Suzanne Bopp
August 3, 2017
John Reaves will always be my Superhero ! I was excited to teach his boys in Elementary school- We spent Our Junior High Years (as the school was called then) at Madison and I remember Coach Escobar coaching you and another winning team ---And then RHS Class of 1968 !!!! You were the best ! We all were so proud of you ! I still love football and you will always be my Star ! You will be the only one that called me " BOPPER" I am going to miss you and your smile my friend . Till we meet again. My love, prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Pastor Hector Gomez
August 3, 2017
John,
It was a great blessing to get to know you and your wife Patti, and I hope I made a positive impact on your life! We will continue to pray for your family, and if I can be of further assistance please just call on me at 813 690-1454. John, may you now find rest and peace in the presence of your savior and Lord!
In His Service, Pastor Hector Gomez
Jay Hart
August 3, 2017
John may you Rest In Peace . You will be missed .
Camille Symons Patty
August 3, 2017
What can we all say, John? We all knew and loved you..and we each have perfectly etched memories of you, the boy from Alabama who moved into our lives and hearts forever, right here to Rattlesnake, Florida. You put more than Tampa on the map of the world. Thanks for dunking me repeatedly--with your unfair pitch advantage--by
the RHS field, but the constant plunge was worth the laughs that lasted a lifetime. Only you--Number 11--could step in and up against Hillsborough to toss that impossible win in the last seven seconds of the game. Only you could win for us all, making us all winners. You are one real superhero, our myth come to life, the likes of which inspired the ancient stories. Eternal. Still focused and smiling. Ours.
Beverly Laxdal
August 3, 2017
John, may you Rest In Peace and know you were loved by many. Your pain is over, you are all brand new. Henry and I had the greatest respect for you and Patti and you could always make me laugh. I will always cherish your friendship and wish Patti and the kids peace knowing you are safe in the arms of Jesus.
Arthur Banks
August 3, 2017
I remember hanging by the fence watching Plant football on Friday nights and really enjoying my conversations with John.
RIP sir.
Gary Huff
August 3, 2017
Rest in peace, John. Your work and struggles on Earth are done. May God bless you in Heaven and comfort the family and many friends you left behind.
August 3, 2017
I was in band with John at Madison. As I recall he played the tuba at halftime in his football uniform. To me he was a local celeb at the school. I attended Auburn and was at the game where he had 9 interceptions. John was a fine athlete and part of my South Tampa memories. My sympathies. Kathi Meadows Cool Auburn AL
Karl Mohr
August 3, 2017
My wife and I sat in the same row with John, on a flight from Detroit to Tampa some years ago. He was very fond of his children, and told us about each one. A very nice man. I still have his business card. RIP John.
Donna
August 3, 2017
I didn't know John personally but always made an impression on me and when I had tickets to the Bandits. Great football player and person. My condolences to the family.
Allan Wood
August 3, 2017
RIP John. Went to Madison and graduated with John in 1968. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom Vann
August 3, 2017
John was a very fine athlete. I played racquetball with John at the Tower Club. God Bless his memory,
Arlene Schlichte FITZGIBBON
August 3, 2017
To the family of John Reaves i am a friend from way back. My mother worked with his mother. I am truely sorry for your loss.
Memories will always be chershed.
Janice Butler
August 3, 2017
Patti , Layla , David , Stephen , Brooke and family .
Our hearts are broken for you all . One thing I know about John is that he loved you and was very proud of you and his grandchildren , Landry , Presley , Knox, Maddox and Ryder .
When John & Patti moved to Columbia our families attended church together and I remember well getting on knees and praying together . John sent me a card of encouragement and I still have it . He wrote Philippians 4:19 on it . I use that verse to this day . So my brother in Christ I won't say goodbye because I will see you in heaven. Amen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic loss . Know that Jesus is with you and will never leave you .
We love you very much ,
Janice , Tony and daddy
Jim Kelly
August 3, 2017
We will miss you JR. You were one of the very best to ever put on a uniform at the UofF. No true fla fan will ever forget the bomb to Carlos Alvarez on the third play in the 1969 Houston game. I pray that you can now rest in pease.
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