After a long and courageous battle with cancer, William Russell Reeves went to be with the Lord on Friday evening, March 26, 2010 at the Watauga Medical Center in Boone. A memorial service will be held at Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 3:00pm at Bethany United Methodist Church with Rev. Owen Peeler and Dr. Wayne Ratcliffe officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00pm on Tuesday, two hours prior to the memorial service in the fellowship building of the church. Russell was born on Thursday, April 22, 1937 to Alonzo and Annie Clyde Reeves of Nathan's Creek Community. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to fish with his grandchildren and picnic with his family. He had a significant interest in politics. He was a devout supporter of the Democratic Party and always looked forward to a good debate. Russell enjoyed the mornings spent with the "coffee crew" at McDonald's. After serving his country in the United States Army, Russell returned to Ashe County where he met and married his wife Libby, of 45 years. Later, he became the co-owner of Oak Flooring Company, Inc. In the more recent years Russell was a lumber man by trade, with his fencing and split rail business being his true passion. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Russell was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Russell is survived by his wife, Libby Edwards Reeves, of West Jefferson (the Baldwin Community); two sons, Derek Reeves and wife, Crystal, of Galax, VA and Matthew Reeves and wife, Josie, of West Jefferson; four grandchildren, Ethan, Kennedy, Tanner and Ella; two brothers, Tom Reeves and wife, Evelyn, of Crumpler and Ralph Reeves and wife, Betsy, of Jefferson; a very special cousin, Lucy Osborne, and husband, Norman, of Jefferson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ashe County Cancer Fund, c/o Renea Adams, 372 Oscar Day Road, Jefferson, NC 28640 or to the donor's choice.