Donald "Punchy" Reaves

When peace like a river, attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 Donald Levon Reaves, son of the late Felton and Laura Kato  Reaves was born October 21, 1946, and entered eternal rest on Sunday, October1, 2023.  Donald “Punchie”, Curley Joe, “Curlie” Reaves was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather , friend and local businessman.

Punchie, as he was known to many, was reared in Mullins and was educated in the public schools, graduating with the Class of 1966 of Palmetto High School.  While at Palmetto, he was a valued football and basketball player.  After graduation he attended Allen University in Columbia, SC, prior to being drafted in the United States Army. He served honorably in the  82nd  Airborne Division as one of the elite Army Paratroopers, Fort Bragg, N. C.

Returning home after his service to his country, he was employed with So -Pak-Co as a manager until his retirement. He became the owner and operator of the popular “Moon Light” for many years.

At an early age he joined the Saint Paul Baptist Church, attending and supporting until his health declined.  He served as a member of the church’s trustee board and president of the Genesis I Corporation, assisting with the planning of the construction of the Genesis  Apartments.

He was preceded in death by his mother and Father, brother, Clarkie Delaine,  Sister, Virginia Cataldo and daughter, Anita Renee Reaves Legette.

Those who remain to cherish fond memories include: His sister, Dorothy Jean Reaves, His children, Michael, Dana, Rhonda, Keyla ,and  Nakeya.  Grandchildren: Cierra , JimDonovan, Antia, Xavier,  Mike, Jr., Shekeria Broderick, Kendrick, Shaq,  Jazz, Yaya, Natasha (caregiver), Shameika, Lexus ,Dominique, Chalea, Jordan, Jay, and Justice. 25 Great-Grands. A Special Great-Grand who was his caregiver and driver ,Antenae. 1 son-in-Law, Chip. Sisters of the heart, Patricia and Brenda McCoy. Special Cousin, Dorothy and Jimmy Davis. Aunt Helen Reaves and Uncle Eugene Reaves ,and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Knowing Punchie, “Curley” you would find him to be  fun loving and friendly but direct when it came to business.  He did not mind giving his opinion whether you agreed or not. He was prudent when it came to money.  His favorite girl was Laura Kato Reaves, and he did not mind telling you so. He dressed well when going out complete, with the brim to match.  One of his favorite sayings was “All night and a half a day tomorrow”.  Donald Levon Reaves “ lived life well and he did it his way.”

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