Bill L. Rieves

Tupelo - Bill Rieves, 89, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at NMMC, Tupelo. Born on March 16, 1926, in Wren, MS, he was a son of the late William Floyd and Nancy Estelle Pruett Rieves.

Bill was a graduate of Wren High School. Serving honorably in the US Navy during commissioning of the USS Cunningham destroyer, he was a plank owner, original crew member, and radar operator during World War II. After returning home, Bill graduated from East MS Junior College. He received his BS degree from Mississippi State University and his Master’s degree from Ole Miss, where he also did post-graduate work. Having met Dorothy Pearson while at East MS Junior College, they were married on March 19, 1947.

In 1951, Bill began his teaching career. He taught at Golden and Nettleton before going to Tupelo in 1953. A man of great integrity who was passionate about students, Bill was the THS principal from 1961 – 1971. He is remembered for his leadership and guidance during the smooth integration of THS. During this time, he was honored to have presented 2,344 diplomas. With his desire to care for educators, he was a teachers’ advocate on the State PERS Committee. In 1987, Bill retired from the Central Office.

His life was guided by his faith, family, and friends. A loving and dedicated husband and father, Bill was a member, Deacon Emeritus, and Trustee of Harrisburg Baptist Church. For 50 years, he faithfully taught the Rieves/Twitty Sunday school class. Organizing Boy Scout Troop 85 at Harrisburg, he served as their inaugural leader. One who believed in giving back, Bill was passionate about Shepherd’s Center, Book-Link, Civitans, Tupelo Community Concert, and Community Service, serving in different capacities and leadership roles. He enjoyed Lawrence Welk, Gospel, and music of the 1940’s.

In 1993, Mr. and Mrs. Rieves were named Outstanding Citizens of Tupelo. Bill was instrumental in establishing the World War II Memorial in Veteran’s Park. He was a member of the American Legion Post 49.

Survivors include his wife, best friend, and soulmate of nearly 69 years, Dorothy P. Rieves, Tupelo; daughters, Regina Rieves McIntosh (Chuck), Madison; and Cynthia Rieves Colburn, Tupelo; son, Rob Rieves (Connie), Tupelo; grandchildren, Lauren McIntosh McNichol (Sean), Anne Elise McIntosh Ray (David), Tucker Lake Colburn (Ashley), Shelley Lorraine Colburn, Jacob Tyler Rieves, Katlin Janiree Rieves; great-grandchildren, Jack Rieves McNichol, Palmer Howie, and Daly Wardlow; niece and nephews, Joe Rieves (Norma Jean), Hal Rieves (Ann), Nancy Rieves Payne; and many great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Lena Cunningham Rieves; brothers, William Floyd, Jr., James Martin, and Harold Holloway Rieves; and son-in-law, Mitchell Dale Colburn.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Harrisburg Baptist Church with Rev. David Langerfeld and Rev. David Smith officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the Rieves/Twitty Sunday School Class and the Fidelis Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be from 4 - 7 PM, Monday, February 29 and from 1 - 1:45 PM, Tuesday at Harrisburg Baptist Church, harrisburgonline.org.

Memorials may be given to Shepherd's Center, 400 W. Jefferson St., Tupelo, MS 38804, Book-Link, 100 Book Link Way, Eubank, KY 42567, or to Create, PO Box 1053, Tupelo, MS 38802.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.