Narrative

JAMES DEVAUGHN REEVES

MIRAMAR, Fla. - James "Devaughn" Reeves, 83, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2006 at Memorial Hospital here.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1922 in the farm community of Hallsboro. He was a generous, loving, larger-than-life hero to his wife, seven children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was a pillar of strength and an inspiration to all that knew him.

Through the Great Depression, he learned the indomitable work ethic that would serve him and powerfully influence those close to him throughout his life.

He attended Wake Forest University until he was called to serve American in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and made the famed 125-mile march from one battle victory to another with General Patton. He was wounded, awarded the Purple Heart, and won two Bronze Star Medals for bravery in combat.

While stationed at Boston University, he met the former Shirley Marie Corbett on July 21, 1943. They married on Jan. 5, 1947 and were wed for 59 years. He served as president and owner of the Miami Beach Land Survey firm Zurwelle-Whittaker, Inc. for more than 30 years. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and a member of the American Legion for 46 years.

Reeves is survived by his wife, Shirley; three sons, James D. Jr., David, and Stephen; four daughters, Diane, Nancy, Judy, and Linda; two brothers, Morris and Elwood; a sister, Betty; five grandsons, James D. Reeves III, Matthew Reeves, Eric Reeves, Steven Vanek, Tyler Siwek, and Brandon Vanek, eight granddaughters, Kelly White, Jennifer Cox, Melanie Reeves, Kimberly Parrillo, Tiffany Reeves, Ashley Reeves, Brittany Reeves, and Jenna Siwek; great-grandson, Eric Lastinger; and four great-grand-daughters, Alexys Lastinger, Kennady Parrillo, Rylee Cox, and Payton White.

Source

The News Reporter, Whiteville
See http://www.whiteville.com/articles/2006/03/30/import/20060330-obit-archive.txt