William David Reams

Posted on December 16, 2020

Mr. William David Reams, 69, passed away on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at his home in Perry.

David was born Aug. 30, 1951, in Vero Beach to Robert David Reams Jr. and Myrtle Douglas Reams. He was the fifth of 11 siblings who were raised in Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee and Perry.

David graduated from Taylor County High School in 1969 and shortly thereafter entered the United States Army.

He retired from the Army in 1980 as a staff sergeant and returned to Taylor County to raise a family. He went to work as a corrections officer at Taylor Correctional Institution for 13 years before retiring as a highly respected sergeant of the Main Unit 3rd shift.

David was most known in Perry as a hunter, fisherman and gardener/farmer.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Robert Reams Jr. and Myrtle Douglas Reams; three brothers, Lonnie Leonard Fender, Charles “Chuck” Aaron Fender and Ralph Drayton Reams; and three sisters, Hattie Mae Fender, Nancy Laverne Ratliff and Linda Joan Williamson.

He is survived by: his wife of 45 years, Diana Bard Reams; two daughters, Anita Lynn Reams and Tammy Boatwright-Shipley; one son, John David Reams; one brother, Robert Allen Reams (Sissy); three sisters, Jerry Ann Stanaland, Rilla Sue Connell and Laura Reams Carroll; and six grandchildren (plus one on the way), David Austin Reams, Kaden Shaw, Kolton Parker, Bryler Reams, David Merrill (Becca), Nikki Horton and Jakobe Emerson Gamble (who is expected to arrive in March 2021); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.