Ray Bradley (Brad) Reeves

Ray Bradley (Brad) Reeves, 73, of Russellville, passed into the arms of his loving Savior on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Brad was born on June 24, 1953 to parents Fred Earl and Evelyn Reeves. After spending most of his childhood in Missouri, Brad moved with his family to Russellville, Ala., in the seventh grade and called Russellville home the rest of his life. Not long after his move to Russellville, Brad met the love of his life and best friend, Rebecca Batchelor, when they were just 14 years old. Brad and Rebecca married in 1974 and were blessed to celebrate 52 years of marriage. Brad was a 1971 graduate of Russellville High School and a 1975 graduate of the University of North Alabama where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management with a minor in Finance. After college, Brad began to work with Rebecca’s family and partnered with her brother, Greg Batchelor, to own and run Dependable True Value Hardware and Dependable Sporting Goods — businesses that became a staple in the community over the years. He also served on the Board of Directors for CB&S Bank and was proud of his affiliation with the Alabama Bankers Association and meeting with other bankers. Brad had a deep love for his family, and he held no greater titles than husband, father, and grandfather. He and his son, John, had a special bond and shared many hobbies and adventures together over the years. In 2011, Brad gained the title of grandfather to his grandson, Rhett. Brad was never happier than when he was getting to spend time with his grandson. He loved to watch Rhett in whatever activity he was participating in, and took great pride in Rhett’s accomplishments and Rhett’s faith and walk with the Lord. Brad served his community as a past president of the Jaycees and of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of First Methodist Church in Russellville where he served in many different capacities, from lay leader to Sunday School teacher and more. Brad loved God’s creation and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, and just walking the property of his farm. His love of God’s creation led to a love for traveling, especially out West. Brad also loved all kinds of music, loved sports and getting together with friends for sporting events, and loved telling or hearing a good story. He was always smiling, always positive, and always confident everything would turn out okay. His family said he could be summed up by the Bible verse 1 John 3:13, which says, “Let us not love with words or tongue but actions and in truth.” Brad was a truly remarkable man and will be missed deeply by all who loved and knew him. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Earl & Evelyn Reeves. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Rebecca Batchelor Reeves; son, John Bradley Batchelor Reeves (Alana); grandson, Rhett Bradley Reeves; brother, Mike Reeves (Patricia); brother-in-law, Greg Batchelor (Donna); niece and nephews, Tonya Reeves Jackson, David Reeves, Patrick Reeves and John Gregory Batchelor; and host of other relatives and friends. The visitation will be 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Russellville First Methodist Church with the funeral service following at 12 p.m. Bro. Toby Chastain and Rev. Bo Lloyd will be officiating the service. He will be entombed in the Franklin Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers are Rhett Reeves, John Batchelor, David Reeves, Patrick Reeves, Riley Reeves, and Carson Reeves. Honorary Pallbearers are the Board of Directors at CB&S Bank, and the Russellville First Methodist Men’s Sunday School Class. Special thanks from the family to Brad’s caregivers and friends, Terrace Manor staff, and Hospice of North Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Russellville First Methodist Church.

Ray Bradley (Brad) Reeves

June 24, 1953 - July 21, 2026

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