Lona Lonzo “Jack” Reeves was born to Edd and Fannie Reeves. He grew up on the land which later became Reeves Peach Farm. He loved farming and believed that peaches could be grown in North Alabama. And, he was right! He spent his life as a farmer rising at dawn and going to bed before dark. He was known best for his large, juicy peaches that sold out the moment that they arrived at the fruit stand.

Each Christmas he gave all his grandchildren money to buy new shoes because there was a time when he could not afford shoes. He and his wife, Ethel, survived the Great Depression by going to Florida to work in the orange groves. They took their two children with them, Donnie L. and Tommie Dale. He left his “never quit” spirit as a legacy for the future generations of Reeves children.

Ethel Tapscott married Jack Reeves and they had two sons, Donnie L. and Tommie Dale. Like Jack, all she knew to do was work. Everyone that visited the fruit stand knew Ethel. She knew everything about peaches whether they were Geogia Belles or Hale Haven. She believed in never wasting anything. She canned overipe tomatoes and dried peaches in the back windshield of her car. She believed that Reeves peaches were the best in the world and would never lower the price. Instead, she would just tell a customer to go on down the road if they thought the price was too high.

She taught all of her grandchildren how to pick out a ripe cantaloupe, shine a plum or judge the tastiest peaches. Her work ethic and honest words will be remembered for generations.

Donnie L. Reeves started Reeves Peach Farm with his father, Jack Reeves. Donnie learned his farming skills and his work ethic from his dad and uncle, VA Reeves. Before the first peach tree was planted, he learned how to grow corn, cotton, watermelons, cantaloupes and tomatoes.

In 1958, he married Shelby Morgan. Together they had five children who all worked on the farm. After his only son, Mike, graduated from college, they partnered together to diversify their crops.

Hundreds of boys have worked at Reeves Peach Farm. Donnie mentored them and taught them lessons that could not be learned in a classroom. Today, those boys excel in a multitude of professions.

Donnie also loved all animals from deer to groundhogs. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

John was a close friend of the Reeves family since childhood. When he was in ninth grade, he began dating Donna Reeves, the eldest daughter of Donnie and Shelby. They married after Donna graduated from college in August 1985.

The following year, they moved from  Chattanooga to Hartselle where Donna taught school and John worked at Reeves Peach Farm. He became an integral part of every aspect of the farm.

Growing up John wanted to become an Indy driver. Instead, he felt God wanted him to become an evangelist. So, he spent his life developing young men in their faith while working in the fields, playing on the golf course, and coaching basketball. His sudden passing 23 years ago was tragic, but his Christian example still inspires people today.