Joseph Albert Reeves, Sr. Joe was born on August 29, 1919 in Meridian, MS. His parents were Stacey Thompson Reeves and James Edgar Reeves. He attended the Meridian Public Schools and graduated in 1938 along with his high school sweetheart, Alma Rogers. He attended 1 year of college at Clarke College in Newton, MS. He began his working career as an apprentice sign painter with the Southern Railroad. As WWII began to unfold he joined the army and served with General Patton's Third Army. He landed D+6 at Normandy and fought in the Battle of Bulge. His duties were that of a mechanic with the General's motor pool. Upon his discharge he married his sweetheart, Alma on January 3, 1946 and resumed his job with the Southern Railroad. In 1950, Joe and Alma began operating the business of Rogers Florist, which belonged to Alma's parents Sammie and Ina Rogers. Joe had a distinguished professional career as a florist as he was a Past President of the Mississippi Florist Association, Director of the Southeastern Florist Association, Mississippi Director of Florist Transworld Delivery and member of the Society of American Florist and also received the honor of membership in the American Academy of Florist. He was an active Deacon at 15th Avenue Baptist Church, Sunday school teacher and Choir member. He played on the church baseball team as the utility man. He always gave of his time to the civic community here in Meridian as a member of the Meridian Jaycees, President of the Downtown Optimist Club, Member and Past President of the Choctaw Area Council Boy Scouts of America, recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. He was a member and Past President of the Meridian Symphony Association and also member and Past President of the Meridian Little Theatre. His fraternal organizations included the Hamasa Shrine, Masons and the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Oakland Heights Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Grand Patron. Later he became the Most Worthy Grand Patron of the State of Mississippi. He was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of the Little Red School house where Rob Morris founded the Eastern Star at Pickens, MS. His last duty with the Eastern Star was with Harless Creech, who was the Most Worthy Grand Patron, Order of the Eastern Star, World Grand chapter. In 2004, he married Emma Elizabeth Netterville. Later in 2004, he suffered a stroke which took 80 percent of his mobility from his left side. He remained active until this last year when his heart just gave out. Survivors include his wife, Emma Elizabeth Reeves, his son Joseph A. Reeves, Jr. and his wife Nellie. His step children Ron Barham and wife Linda, Jack Barham and wife Catherine, Sharron Sciple and husband James, Mary Price and husband Charles. His grandchildren are Stacey Reeves and Cuylor Reeves. Mr. Reeves had eight step grandchildren and one great grandchild Abbie Grace McCary. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and numerous step great grandchildren. One of his many accomplishments was the original painting and lettering of the Jimmie Rogers memorial steam engine with the late Jim Guy. Services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. and burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday August 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church.
