W. Wayne Reaves

W. Wayne Reaves, 82, of Macon, Georgia, passed away March 19, 2024.  From the small town of Woodbury Georgia, Wayne became a pioneer in the car business as well as later in the software business.  His impact was felt throughout the country as he trained thousands of dealerships.

His other accomplishments include being President of the Jaycees from 1975 - 1976, Director of the State Mental Health Association in 1980, President of the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association 1984 , Quality Dealer of the year for both Georgia and National in 1983, Hall of Fame Inductee in 2017, Chairman of the Board of the state Used Motor Vehicle Dealers from 1985 - 1988, Small Businessman of the year for the state of Georgia in 1988, as well as serving on several commissions for Governors George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris and  Zell Miller.  He and Virginia put in hundreds of hours helping on the campaigns of Zell Miller and Max Cleland and many local candidates throughout the years. 

Wayne had a deep understanding of where he had come from and the importance of giving back to the community.  As a local celebrity, he would dedicate endless hours to making appearances at children’s homes, nursing homes, local schools and daycare centers.  He also had a love of dogs as they were always a part of his life, and he and Virginia became large supporters of Bibb County Sheriff’s office animal shelter.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Oneida Reaves.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Reaves and their two sons, Kevin Reaves (Belinda), and Jason Reaves (Lillian); grandchildren: Sierra (Hunter), Levi, Saige (John), Lander, Summer, Lawson, Aaron, Pierce (Kelsey) and Ella; great grandchild, Ember; brother-in-law, Ronald Ivey; and sister-in-law, Martha Baldwin. He is also survived by a son from a former marriage, Billy Reaves, and his daughter, Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, with the Reverend Wes Moye officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Macon Bibb Animal Welfare at http://bibbsheriff.us/animal-services/donation/

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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