Obituaries

In Memorium: Rumsonite, WW II Vet, Sailor Bill Reaves, 98

Longtime Rumson resident William “Bill” Hamlin Reaves passed away at his home on March 4, loved ones by his side. He was 98.

“He was well known for his Southern charm and hospitality and he will be remembered for his timeless values that we all cherish, including integrity, loyalty, fortitude and compassion. He touched the lives of many and will be missed.”

Loved ones of Bill Reaves in his obituary
Bill Reaves
Photo/courtesy of Thompson Memorial Home, Reaves family

A first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, Bill was born in Mobile AL in 1922 and graduated from the Citadel in Charleston, SC in 1943.

While serving in the Pacific in World War II, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Gold Star for his extraordinary achievement, bravery and heroism.

Bill lived in New York City after the war, where he met Susanne, his loving wife of 69 years. He continued his education and obtained his master’s degree from Columbia University Graduate School. He also received an MBA from an accelerated program at Harvard. He had a long and successful career in finance with more than 50 years’ experience in utility equity investments. 

“In 1961, he founded his own company, W. H Reaves + Co., that went on to generate one of the most remarkable investment records in the industry, a feat made more amazing by the fact the firm only invested in often overlooked areas like utilities, telecommunications and energy,” his obituary said.

A Monmouth County resident for more than 70 years and a member of Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, Seabright Lawn Tennis Club, the Seabright Beach Club and St Georges-by-the-River Episcopal Church, Bill called Rumson home. He was an avid sailor and won many competitive events throughout the years. He was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the New Jersey Yacht Racing Association (NJYRA).

Bill is predeceased by: his parents, Mattie H. and George A. Reaves; his wife, Susanne L. Reaves; and his son, William.

He is survived by: his three children and their spouses, Susanne and Karl Rudiger, Mary Adams, and John and Kelly Reaves; his grandchildren, Jay and Will Rhame, Christopher and Michael Adams and Jamie Reaves; and his two great grandchildren, Chip and Matt Rhame; nieces and nephews, including Daniel and James Ravenel, Mary Black, Lavinia French, James and John Lyles, Susan Randall, Pelham Lyles and Josie Lyles, and Lavinia Dowling, Robert Seibels and Grenville Seibels.  

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at St. George’s-By-The-River Episcopal Church, 7 Lincoln Ave., Rumson, NJ 07760. Burial will take place in South Carolina at a later date.