Starkville MS, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Starkville community is coming together to honor the life of William Christopher “Bill” Reeves, a beloved attorney and adventurer, who passed away unexpectedly. Known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to service, Bill left a lasting impact on anyone who knew him. His contributions to the legal profession and community service will be remembered fondly as he is celebrated during a memorial service.
Starkville Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Attorney and Adventurer Bill Reeves
Starkville, Mississippi, is coming together this week to celebrate the life of William Christopher “Bill” Reeves, a cherished figure in the community who passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2025, at the age of 77. His adventurous spirit and commitment to service have left a profound mark on everyone who knew him.
Born on November 27, 1947, in Macon, Mississippi, to Pete and Carolyn Bennett Reeves, Bill was a person who embraced life with both arms wide open. His journey began at Noxubee County High School, where he graduated in 1965, serving as the president of the student council and earning the title of Mr. Noxubee County High School. His early leadership qualities hinted at the impactful career he would later pursue.
After high school, Bill attended Mississippi State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance. During this time, he joined the lively Kappa Alpha fraternity, which introduced him to further adventures and connections. Following his studies, Bill’s career kicked off at Shell Oil in Atlanta, where he became a social butterfly, joining various clubs like the KAKA Social Club and the Atlanta Ski Club.
In 1974, he married his devoted wife, Blue, and the couple soon moved back to Mississippi as Bill pursued his education at Ole Miss Law School. He launched his legal career in the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office and spent 45 fruitful years in private practice with firms including Upshaw & Ladner and Balch & Bingham. Colleagues described him as an effective litigator and trusted counselor, earning the respect of many in the legal field.
Bill and Blue raised their two sons, Brad and Blake, in Jackson. They instilled a sense of community, actively participating at Christ United Methodist Church. Bill’s passion for giving back was evident; he chaired the Mississippi Commission on Continuing Legal Education and served as president of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
A remarkable traveler, Bill was known for meticulously planning trips and immersing himself in new cultures. His fearless approach ensured that he helped his sons experience all 50 U.S. states before their high school graduations. With a knack for creating genuine travel experiences, he preferred local dives over swanky eateries and set up annual weeklong bus trips for MSU football games with a fun group he proudly called the “Bus Dwellers.”
In 2019, Bill and Blue moved to Starkville, finding a welcoming community to embrace their adventures. Although health challenges eventually led to his retirement from practicing law, Bill remained active in life. He triumphantly transitioned from a wheelchair to a walker to walking again. In 2024, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a memorable trip to Switzerland, shortly before Blue’s unexpected passing.
Even after his loss, Bill’s adventurous spirit endured. He continued to travel, build a cabin, and participate in a local Monday night Book Club. A recent highlight was completing a cross-country train journey with his sons.
Bill is survived by his beloved sons, Brad and Blake; his grandchildren, Caroline and Mason; his brother, Larry Reeves; and numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, Blue, along with his parents, preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life for Bill will take place at the Springer Center at Starkville Academy on September 14, 2025, starting with visitation at 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. In honor of his fun-loving personality, attendees are encouraged to wear casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Mississippi State University Foundation for the Blue and Bill Reeves Student Travel Fund or the Starkville Global Methodist Church Building Fund as a way to continue Bill’s legacy of adventure and community.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Christopher “Bill” Reeves
What contributions did Bill Reeves make to the legal profession?
Bill had a distinguished career as a lawyer, serving in the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office before spending 45 years in private practice. He was recognized for his effectiveness as a litigator and his role as a trusted counselor, fostering collegiality among peers.
What was Bill’s approach to travel?
A passionate traveler, Bill preferred authentic local experiences over luxury, ensuring his family experienced all 50 states before high school graduation. He was known for planning memorable trips that brought friends and family together.
When and where will Bill’s Celebration of Life be held?
The Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on September 14, 2025, at the Springer Center at Starkville Academy. Visitation begins at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Obituaries
- Wikipedia: William Christopher Reeves
- Starkville School District News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi
- Commercial Dispatch: Sports News
- Google News: Mississippi Legal Profession
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
