Obituary of Leroy E Reeves

Leroy E Reeves, age 88, of West Cape May quietly passed away during the early morning of July 15, 2016. Leroy was a lifetime resident of the Cape Island area having been born on Soc's Lane in Cold Spring, NJ. His family roots extend to the Mayflower pilgrim John Howland and he was also a descendant of Joshua Reeves who fought as a patriot for liberty during the American Revolution. He attended elementary school within the Lower Township school district commencing at the "Grange Building" located in the Cold Spring Village, because a fire had forced the regular school to be closed for repairs. He attended Cape May High School where he played basketball and was the student manager of the team. He also enjoyed being part of the camera crew. After graduation in 1947 Leroy continued to work for Reeves Brothers, his family's farm operation. In 1949 Leroy married the love of his life Rhoda Kimsey. They settled in West Cape May on Stimpson Lane were Leroy started Reeves Construction Company. He later ventured into local politics and government serving as Commissioner and Mayor of West Cape May. During his time as Mayor he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the current West Cape May Borough Hall and Fire House. He served as Cape May County Road Supervisor and held local leadership positions within the Cape May County Regular Republican Organization. He enjoyed telling about the times he met and spoke with Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. In 1969 he began building Westwood Mobile Estates a business he and his wife operated until their retirement in 2000. Leroy is predeceased by his wife Rhoda Kimsey Reeves and his brother Clement B Reeves, Jr. He is survived by his son Edward and daughter-in-law Alecia and his daughter Debra Bockhorn and son-in-law Charles. He is also survived by grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, Melissa, and Charles; great granddaughter Ryan; and brothers: George (Doris) Reeves of Fort Lawn, SC and Gail Reeves of Cold Spring, NJ; along with many nephews & nieces. There will be a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Rd, North Cape May, NJ; where friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. The family suggests donations in Leroy's memory to the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Co., 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com.