Harold Reeves Sr

Harold W. Reeves, 91 of Woodbridge, Virginia passed Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Woodbridge, VA. Harold was preceded in death by: Square "Pete" Reeves (Father), Hannah Reeves (Mother), Lee Edward Reeves (Brother), Billie Lois Reeves (Sister), Barbara Reeves (Sister), Jimmy Dee Reeves (Sister), and Emogene Reeves. He is survived by: Wife: Nellie Anita Potocki-Reeves (Woodbridge, VA); Children: Zula Macchell Reeves (Daughter, Concord, CA), Sonny Reeves (Son, Gilbert, AZ), Billie Dee Reeves (Kapolei, HI), and Roxi Lynn Reeves (Daughter, Washington, DC); Granddaughters / Grandson-In-Law: Malea Reeves, Kaeli Reeves-Maxfield & Dallin Maxfield, and Elena Reeves; Brothers: Wilbert Reeves and Willard Reeves. Harold was raised in Forrest City, Arkansas and was the son of a sharecropper. Life was not easy. His father, Square, died when he was sixteen; he endured segregation and assisted in raising his nine brothers and sisters. Yet despite these hardships, dad never complained about the difficulties of his upbringing and often said, “This is a great country,” and “I have had a good life.” As soon as he was old enough, he joined the United States Army. He served for 20 years as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist and Combat Engineer. Additionally, he was a Korean War veteran. During his 20-year Army career, he would serve two tours in Korea, two in Germany, and numerous other bases. In addition, he was the first black United States Army Enlisted Nuclear Weapons Specialist. After he retired from the Army, Dad owned his own business, Beacon Butcher, for over 20 years where he trained numerous young men who have maintained contact. His third career Harold became a Walmart greeter, which he loved. His gregarious personality made it a perfect fit. Frequently, wherever he went people would recognize him, and stopped to laugh and talk. Dad was always consistent with his words and commitments. He said what he meant and meant what he said. He did not suffer fools. Yet, he was forgiving, kind, and very generous and often helped strangers. His strength of character never wavered. In his younger days Dad was quite the dapper dresser. He and our mother Nellie loved to go dancing. As he aged, he adopted wearing colorful suspenders and brightly colored shirts. He must have had over a couple of dozen pairs. When he taught us kids how to drive, he made them take the tire off his car and put it back. He said you should know how to do this just in case it became necessary and how to check oil, antifreeze, and water. He also told his daughters to not to get married until you can stand on your own feet. Dad’s only vice was buying a lottery ticket once a week. Dad loved his wife Nellie dearly. He made certain she ate proper meals and took her medication. Harold was proud of his four children (Macchell, Sonny, Billie, and Roxi) and three grandchildren (Malea, Kaeli, Elena, and their mother Trish). Dad and mom raised four kids. All went to college and have gone on to pursue different fields. Dad also loved Kalessi, his loyal cat, his dogs Odessa and Nuna, many other pets over the years, and feeding strays. He had the best laugh, and sweetest smile. He was smart, kind and thoughtful. He lived life with grace and dignity. We love you and miss you dad. You were the best! Thank you for everything.

Tributes

Harold Reeves Sr

October 1, 1933 - March 26, 2025