George Reaves

Deacon George David Reaves, 86, received his glorious promotion to the Church Triumphant on the Lord’s Day, Friday, June 17, 2022, in Durham, NC.

Affectionately known by family and friends as “Deacon David,” he was born on April 1, 1936, to the late Thomas and Della Reaves in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

He attended North Carolina Public Schools and graduated from Horton HighSchool in 1953. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1959 and served domestically through 1965. After honorably serving his country, George continued to pursue education with a desire to serve.

George was united in marriage to Earnestine Horton in 1958. With stars in their eyes, he and his new bride relocated to New York.

This inquisitive young man filled with excitement, and a desire to see the world and experience new adventures continued his education at The York City Community College. He received an AA degree, and on to Queens College where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon completion at Queens College, George became an Instructor, where he was asked to teach Food Management and Quality Cooking.  He taught there for five years.  This ambitious scholar continued his studies at The New York University obtaining his Master’s degree in Health and Nutrition Education. Thereafter, he was employed by The South Oak Hospital as Director of Food Service with over eighty employees under his administration and a budget of six
million dollars.

George gave his life to Christ in North Carolina at a young age and his faith continued as he ventured north and commenced serving at The New Covenant Temple United Holy Church in Manhattan, New York under the distinguished leadership of Bishop James Forbes and Bishop Kenneth Robinson. As a multi-tasker, he gave every assignment his best while executing each with a sense of style to duty. Leadership noticed his dedication to God’s people while exemplifying the love of Christ, he became an ordained deacon. Deacon David served in several capacities of the church and loved reading, studying, and teaching God’s word.  He served as a teacher, and the Superintendent of Sunday School while loaning his melodious voice to the New Covenant Choir. He also used his professional training in Health and Nutrition by serving on the Culinary Team at New Covenant.

This notable gentleman served as a Trustee at New Covenant and a Trustee of the Northern District (comprising Buffalo, NY to Washington, DC).  As a member of the Deacon Ministry for over thirty-five years, he was recognized in 1989 for his exceptional leadership and faithfulness to this ministry. In 1978, he was named Man of the Year. Also, Deacon David was awarded sundry awards for his professionalism and commitment throughout the church and community.

Upon his retirement in 1997, the Reaves returned to North Carolina with a new career ~ retailing. This gave Deacon George the opportunity to share The Good News! of Christ with those he encountered. He reconnected with his home church The Alston Chapel United Holy Church under the pastorates of Elder Carrie Bolton, Elder Omega Perry, and Elder Jerry W. Powell and he continued to serve the Deacon and Trustee Ministries. Deacon David was extraordinarily instrumental in facilitating the construction of the new sanctuary and guided legal policies and regulations. He was the recipient of The Man of the Year Certificate and became the Church Father in April 2017.  He also continued teaching and doing whatever he could to support this ministry.

Deacon Reaves was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Della Reaves, and his siblings; Leola Reaves-Headen (Clifton), Willie Reaves (Carrie), Thomas Reaves (Delores), Emmaline Reaves-Harris (Ed), Johnnie People (Ada), Joseph Reaves (Lubie), Annie Reaves-Dukes (Frankie), and god-child Dorinda Wynter-Mitchell.

To honor and cherish fond memories accompanied by his legacy of faith and service is his beloved and devoted wife of 64 years, the beautiful Earnestine H.Reaves, siblings; Nathaniel Reaves (late Franco), Mozella Reaves-Brim, Walter Reaves (Mary), Lillie Reaves-Blue, Hattie Reaves-Waddell (late Percy), god-child Lisa D. Johnson (daughter/care provider), Olivia Jones, Leonard Omar King, Celesta Cannady, Roddrikk Alston, Jordan Whittley; one god-grandson Tyshaun Anthony Stuart Wynter, special family-friends Drusilla Emerson, Shirley
Hart, and a host of nieces, nephews, and his United Holy Church family.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home- Pittsboro