Wilbur Ivey Reaves III, age 41, of Rocky Point departed his earthly life on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

He was born August 12, 1971 in Wilmington, the son of Wilbur Ivey Reaves, Jr. and Lila Willetts Reaves of Rocky Point.

Surviving in addition to his loving parents are his two daughters, Haleigh and Shelby; his sister, Linda Southerland (Allan) of Castle Hayne; nephew, Ivey Southerland; fiancée, Ashley Jones of Wallace; several aunts and uncles; many cousins and friends.

Ivey was owner and operator of B H & S Lawn Care and was a long time employee with the NC Department of Corrections where he was an active member of P.E.R.T. He was a member of Riley's Creek Baptist Church.

Ivey was a loving, caring, hard working man who gave his all to any task he undertook. Having a sharp sense of humor, just to be around Ivey lifted one's spirits. His beautiful smile could light up a room and brighten one's day. He loved being outdoors in God's beautiful world hunting or just enjoying nature. Most of all he loved his family and Ashley, never missing a chance to say "I LOVE YOU." His zest for life and loving spirit is cherished and will always be remembered.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012 at Riley's Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Herchenhahn and the Rev. Butler Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Riley's Creek Memorial Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Jasper Willetts, Jr., Jimmie Willetts, William Willetts, Ivey Southerland, Stacy Willetts, Harold Hayes, and Allan Southerland. Honorary bearers will be P.E.R.T. members.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday at 11:00 am until hour of the service.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, 2012 at Rileyâ