Bill was born on January 18, 1944, in Gettysburg, PA. He was the son of Rufus W. and Anna Kay Reaver and Monica (Redding) and Merle L. Hankey. Surviving in addition to his wife, Viola Reaver (May), is his daughter, Stacy Reaver Miller, and his son, Rufus (Bill) W. Reaver III and his wife, Margie; four grandchildren, Devin Miller and fiancé Olivia Boles, Sydney Miller, Dempsey Miller and Miranda Reaver; one sister, Nora Keller (Mike). He was predeceased by daughter, Tracy, sister, Carol Hughes, brother, Merle L. Hankey, Jr. and beloved dog, Shaggy Maggie, (6/5/24).
After graduating from Gettysburg High School, he served in the US Army from July 1961 until his honorable discharge in June 1964. He was a proud graduate of the 7th Army NCO Academy Bad Tölz, Germany. Shortly after his discharge, Bill and Vi married in 1965. Bill worked 29 years with American General Finance. After that, he found his true passion; he became a realtor. He started with Century 21 in 1995 and later joined REMAX of Gettysburg in December 1998. He was very proud of working with his fellow agents/owners and especially Anita Morgan and his favorite realtor-cousin, Mary Hankey. Bill enjoyed working with clients and customers. He was a member of the York Adams Realtors Association since 1995, serving on the Board of Directors and various committees. He was a member of the Littlestown Band Boosters, serving on the board of directors and was president. Bill was a lifetime member of the Gettysburg Moose Club. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans and the Gettysburg Eagles Aerie #1562.
While in high school, his first job was a caddy at the Gettysburg Country Club, thanks to his cousin Sam. One of his proudest memories was being a caddy for President Eisenhower. His family and friends believe this was the start of his passion/obsession for playing golf. He played for many years with the Moose League, the Gettysburg Goofs (30+ years) and Carlisle Barracks group. He enjoyed many golf trips while playing with the Tripp Smith group in Pinehurst and Myrtle Beach, and along with the Mason Dixon Tommyâs Pizza Tournaments in Ocean City, MD. He has also played several courses in Maui, HI.
In addition to being a lifetime âgolfaholicâ, Bill was an avid sports fan. He never missed watching a Penn State game on TV. He was an original Baltimore Colts fan and later, a die-hard Washington Redskins fan.
When he was not working or playing golf, he and Vi enjoyed numerous RV trips to all lower 48 states, attending as many of their grandchildrenâs sports events, or just spending quality time with his family at home.
Viewing will be held on Sunday, September 15th at Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg from 2p â 4p. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 16th at the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church at 11. Internment with full military honors will be in Gettysburg National Cemetery Annex. Luncheon to follow at the Lake Heritage Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to St. Judeâs Childrenâs Hospital or SpiriTrust Lutheran.
This obituary was originally published here.