By Donna Thornton/News Editor
The Hokes Bluff community lost a dedicated public servant on May 26, with the passing of Hokes Bluff Mayor Gary W. Reeves.
Reeves was serving his second term as mayor, after his initial election in 2008.
Reeves was a lifelong resident of Hokes Bluff, had retired from Alabama Power Company after 33 years of service, and served on the Hokes Bluff planning commission and on the city council before he ran for mayor.
At the May 27 Etowah County Commission work session, Commissioner Joey Statum asked that everyone remember the Reeves family in their prayers.
“He was good for Hokes Bluff,” Statum said. “They loved him. He was very good to work with and we’re going to miss him.”
“He was excellent to work with,” Etowah County Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Sims said – a sentiment echoed by all the commissioners present at the work session.
Alabama House Minority Leader Craig Ford was a distant cousin of Reeves, and he, too, said Reeves’ passing was a great loss for Hokes Bluff and the citizens of Etowah County.
Ford said Reeves treated everyone as he wanted to be treated.
“He’ll be missed personally, and in government,” Ford said. “He was just an outstanding person.”
On the City of Hokes Bluff website, city leaders noted Reeves love for his community.
“He was recently voted ay area Etowah County students the “Hometown Hero Award” as well as (receiving) the “Overtime Award” given by the Hokes Bluff Athletic Club.
“He was a servant to our community and a friend to every citizen,” the message on the website reads. “Mayor Reeves will truly be missed.”
Reeves was a member of New Bethel FCM Church, where he chaired its Trustee Board and served as chairman of the New Bethel Cemetery Association. He was CEO of Reeves Farm, served on the executive committee of the Gadsden/Etowah Emergency Management Agency. He also served on the Gadsden Etowah Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Smeltzer Center board, and the Etowah County Citizens Advisory Committee.
Reeves died at UAB hospital. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.