Gary George Reeves, 81, passed away on July 31, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy built on faith, family, hard work, and generosity. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith guided the way he lived, loved, and served others throughout his life.

Born on September 10, 1944, Gary was a man whose talents seemed endless. Throughout his life, he worked as an electrician, carpenter, truck driver, and what those who knew him best simply called a "jack of all trades." If something was broken, Gary could fix it. If someone needed help, he was there. He approached every challenge with determination, skill, and the belief that there was always a way to make things better.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 49 wonderful years, Barbara Reeves. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family, creating countless memories that will be cherished for generations.

He was the proud father of eleven children: Mary Tran, Brian Reeves, Scott Reeves, Aaron Reeves, Jennifer Tizzard, Cris Reeves, Lorena Chapman, Lauralee Okoniewski, Stacy Nix, Melissa Frink, and Cassandra Reeves. His family was the greatest joy of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to show them how deeply they were loved.

Gary was also the proud grandfather of 21 grandchildren: Aubree Reeves, Syndee Flynn, Molly Reeves, Zach Chapman, Matthew Okoniewski, Rylee Okoniewski, Aralyn Nix, Elijah Nix, Cristian Nix, Konnor Frink, Tamra Alt, Talia Tran, Tawny Tran, Tim Tran, Nicholet Reeves, Rachel Reeves, Zachary Reeves, Emily Reeves, Jamie Tizzard, Christie Tizzard, and Alex Tizzard. He was further blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Luna, Deeliliah, Phoebee, Noralee, Lucious, Jordan, and Gregory, who brought him immeasurable joy.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Dolores Reeves and Evelyn Scaviner.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Harry Reeves; his brothers, Harold Reeves, Craig Reeves, and Robert Scaviner; and his sister, Kathleen Wood.

Outside of work, Gary's interests reflected his creative spirit and his love of learning. He was an artist, a poet, a builder, and a craftsman. He enjoyed baseball, pitching horseshoes, playing rummy, and spending time outdoors. Whether he was creating something with his hands or sharing stories with family, he found joy in life's simple moments.

Those who knew Gary will remember him not only for what he could build, but for the lives he helped build. He taught his children practical lessons that stayed with them throughout their lives: how to change a tire, how to drive, how to work hard, and how to care for others. He believed that the best way to teach was by example.

Some of his family's favorite memories were the spontaneous adventures he planned: last-minute trips to sleep on the beach, fishing trips, attending church together, or traveling across the country to build a deck or rebuild a pool house for one of his children. Gary never measured love by words alone. He measured it by showing up.

His kindness extended far beyond his family. He would give his last dollar to help a stranger, never expecting anything in return. His faith guided his life, his generosity touched countless people, and his quiet willingness to help anyone in need became one of his defining qualities.

While his family grieves his passing, they also celebrate a life filled with purpose, service, laughter, and unwavering love. Gary's greatest accomplishment was not found in the many things he built with his hands, but in the family he loved with his whole heart.

His legacy lives on through Barbara, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him. His lessons, his generosity, and, most importantly, the love he gave so freely will continue to guide his family for generations to come.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Emerson Funeral Home the funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m.