John Carmichael Reaves

John Carmichael Reaves, 46, of Ripley, MS, passed away from this life on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Tippah County Hospital, Ripley, MS. A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors, will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at West Ripley Baptist Church with Bro. Jack Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Ripley City Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at West Ripley Baptist Church from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, from 1:00 pm until service time at 3:00 pm. John was born on January 13, 1971, in Booneville, MS to his parents, Sperry E. Reaves Jr. and Martha Carmichael Reaves. He was a member of the 1989 graduating class of Ripley High School. John's heart held his family and his community - his life was spent tirelessly in the service of both. He was a licensed paramedic and was employed by Magnolia Regional Health Center EMS and Tippah County EMS serving for more than 20 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. John was of the Baptist faith and attended West Ripley Baptist Church. A simple man, John loved to travel. Nothing made him happier than taking his family away on vacations, especially to the beach, where he spent many happy hours enjoying sand, sun and mostly spending time with those he loved. Like his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs, John scrabbled with tenacity for the future he wanted for himself and his loved ones. His life was a testament to hope, to bravery, to service, and - mostly - to love. He is survived by his beloved wife who he loved with every fiber of his being, Angel Meeks Reaves of Ripley; Sons: Dalton Reaves of Ripley and Eli Nelms of Ripley; Daughters: Anslee Reaves, and Laura Beth Reaves, both of Olive Branch, and Ashley Shoffner and husband Michael of Ripley; Grandchildren: Braxton Shoffner, Ashton Shoffner, and Paislee Shoffner; Brother: Chip Reaves and wife Amy of Iuka; Sister: Janet Reaves Morton of Ripley; Mother-in-law: LaWanda Meeks; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be Lee Parks, Quade Reaves, Dylan Morton, Hollis Garrison, Chip Reaves and Dalton Carmichael Reaves. Honorary pallbearers will be Magnolia EMS, Tippah County EMS and RHS Class of 1989. John was preceded in death by his Father, Sperry E. Reaves, Jr., his Mother, Martha Carmichael Reaves, and his Father-in-law, Sheriff Leroy Meeks. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Mr. John C. Reaves.