Walter Dixon Reaves Jr.
(Glendale's Bus Driver)
Story furnished by Clarence Crocker
Walter D. “Buster” Reaves, a Glendale native, was the son of Walter D. and Mattie Wofford Reaves. (See Glendale Fast Foods). Walter was a member of the Glendale Baptist Church and was a Duke Power Bus driver before and after military service, retiring after many years of service.
Walter first married Susie Solesby, the daughter of Joe J. and Hester Fisher Solesby before going into military service during WW2. Susie had 3 or more siblings, Mae, Robert and Blanche Solesby. Walter and Susie had no children.
His first marriage having fallen apart, Walter married Ginette Millot, whom he met during service overseas. Ginette was born in Parris, France. Walter and his dad were good rock masons and built Ginette and himself a lovely rock home just outside of Glendale, off the Glendale/County Club road. They had a loving and happy marriage until the Ginette’s death in April 2008. They were the parents of one son, Walter Dixon Reaves III.
Excerpts from the obituary of Ginette Millot Reaves published April 2, 2008; “Ginette Millot Reaves, 79, died April 1, 2008 at the Spartanburg Regional Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Jean and Madaline Millot. She was a loving mother and friend and was a member of the Glendale Baptist Church and had retired from the Mary Black Hospital as a CNA.
Survivors were; her husband, Walter D. Reaves Jr. and one son, Dixon Reaves. She was predeceased by one brother, Pierre Millot. Graveside services were held in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.”
Excerpts from the obituary of Walter D. Reaves Jr., published November 3, 2010.
"Walter (Buster) Dixon Reaves Jr. 97, died Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at the Richard M. Campbell VA Nursing Home, Anderson, S. C. He was the widower of Ginette Millot Reaves and the son of the late Walter Dixon Sr. and Mattie Wofford Reaves. He was a graduate of Spartanburg High School and had retired as a Duke Power bus driver.
He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army during WW2 and was awarded The American Theater Service Metal, EAME Service Metal with two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Metal and World War 2 Victory Metal.
He was survived by one son, W. Dixon Reaves III; two nephews, Walter Blain Corn and wife, Pat, James Dixon Corn and wife, Olsey; also a dear friend and caregiver, Ann S. Brown.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Nell R. Corn and Edith R. Porter."
Graveside services held in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, S. C.
Writer’s comments; I had known “Buster” Reaves all of my life. Walter was a peach of a guy, kind, gentle, soft spoken and greeted everyone with a big smile. He was loved and appreciated by all in the community. I was serving as Glendale Postmaster when Ginette came to the States. She could barely speak English but always had a warm “good morning” greeting when she came every day to the Glendale Post Office to see if she had any mail from home. She was one of the most gracious ladies I have ever known and was a delight to greet and talk with every morning.
Obituaries courtesy of the Spartanburg County Library.
Clarence E. Crocker, July 2013
This web site has been started as a public service to share the story of Glendale. See more information about Mary and her Glendale connection at Mary McKinney Teaster.