Ralph L. Reeves, Jr., age 82, left the earthly shackles of Parkinson’s disease and Covid on July 13. He was the only child of Ralph L. Reeves., Sr., and Hazel Brewer Reeves of McComb, MS. He was married to Jean Rainey Reeves for 51 years and they had no children. Mr. Reeves taught for 34 years in the Department of Industrial Technology at Mississippi State University retiring as Associate Professor.
He began his teaching career as a graduate assistant in the department, finding his true calling in life. After graduate work at the University of Colorado and receiving his Education Specialist degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, he became a master teacher who not only taught metalworking, welding, foundry and fluid power, but life skills as well. He would go to any lengths to help a student who wanted to learn and was equally quick to tell one who didn’t, “Don’t waste my time and yours. Come back when you’re ready to learn.” Many did.
He was known as “Mr. Cowbell” because he and Professor Earl Terrell, who were advisors to the Industrial Education Club, were the first to weld handles on the famous cowbells and offer them for sale.
Seeing the need for a fluid power course within the curriculum, he took the basic course in hydraulics at the University of Wisconsin and designed and built a hydraulic trainer along with developing the lab manuals and teaching materials as the project requirement for his Educational Specialist Degree. His professors were totally amazed, because he had no written blueprints!
He was fondly called by his students such printable names as “Teach,” “Prof”, “The Legend,” “Ralph,” and “Mr. Know-It-All.” Although he was hard, he was fair, and his classes always filled the minute they opened. His endless knowledge of all things mechanical or scientific, his zest for life, and his sense of humor made his classes fun and challenging.
In addition to his teaching career, he was a master mechanic who loved Fords and Mercedes, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He also loved setting up engines for dirt track racecars. As he approached retirement, he became fascinated with Stirling (Hot Air) engines, collecting and showing them at many international shows, making friends around the world.
He leaves a host of friends and special angels, Faith Bontrager, Kathy Howse, Peggy Bowman and Keisha Dominguez, and very special lifelong friends, Dan and Teresa Brook.
A visitation will be held in Starkville at Welch Funeral Home on Thursday, July 28 from 5-7 p.m., and a graveside service in McComb at 2:00 p.m. in Hollywood Cemetery.
Mr. Reeves was a faithful member of Big Creek United Methodist Church in Sturgis. Memorials may be made to The Oktibbeha County Humane Society, St. Jude’s, or a favorite charity.
