On July 16, 2025, Colonel Michael Francis Reavey, USAF (Retired) had his “fini” flight (final flight) to be reunited with the Lord and the love of his life for over 50 years, his wife Brenda S. Reavey. His parents Frank and Kathleen Reavey, and his beloved brother Fran, also preceded him in passing. Among those honoring Mike Reavey’s life are his daughter Sherry L. Williams (John) and his son Michael K. Reavey (Cilicia), along with his sisters Patricia Koza and Susan Reavey. He took great pride and joy in his grandchildren D.J., Adrienne, Jeffrey, and Jalen, as well as his great-grandchildren Jax and Michael. He is admired by a multitude of friends. If you are lucky enough to have been his family or friend, then you are truly lucky enough. Mike Reavey’s legacy lives on through those who love him deeply.
Known for his competitive spirit and joyful camaraderie, Mike was an avid golfer since childhood. At almost 82 years old, he played 18 holes with a childhood friend on July 15, 2025. He almost always won at golf, but on the rare occasions when he did not, he was affectionately known for “begrudgingly” losing small bets to his close friends, demonstrating his warmth, humor, and genuine love for his buddies and for the game. He excelled at golf winning Club Championships at every club he ever held a membership. He took a sincere interest others and made sure he kept in close touch with dozens of friends from around the world, especially those he grew up with in Rhode Island. Mike absolutely loved sports, particularly golf and basketball, both of which he played. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family watching golf, basketball, football, boxing, and, UFC. His ability to enthusiastically provide live commentary during sporting events and predict outcomes was quite uncanny and entertaining.
Professionally, Colonel Mike Reavey dedicated 26 remarkable years to the United States Air Force, distinguishing himself as a highly decorated aviator and strategic leader. His illustrious military career included flying combat missions during the Vietnam War in the OV-10 Bronco as a Forward Air Controller (FAC). Reavey loved flying the A-7 Corsair II before becoming an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, and was a proud member of the historic 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing known as “The Flying Tigers.” Colonel Reavey served as commander for all-night air operations during Operation Desert Storm, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Air Operations Center, calling night-time air strikes. His tactical brilliance and operational acumen earned him recognition in prominent works such as Every Man a Tiger, by Tom Clancy, and The General’s War, by Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E. Trainor. Among his numerous medals and citations, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, the Air Medal with Six Devices, and the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster.
The life of Michael Frances Reavey exemplifies dedication and unwavering commitment both in loving devotion to his family and friends and in service to his country, fulfilling the expression, “Old pilots never die, they just fly higher.”
Services for Colonel Michael F. Reavey will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden, AL. Visitation at 1:00 PM. Service at 2:00 PM.
He will be laid to rest receiving full military honors, including a fly-over by two A-10 fighter jets from the 23rd TFW at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.
