With the passing of Homer Reeves on Tuesday, Troy has lost one of its finest.

Johnny Witherington, Troy City Council president, spoke of Reeves, as so many people do, as “Mr. Homer.” He was the kind of gentleman who should be so recognized, Witherington said.

“Mr. Homer was a dear person. He was a good family man and a man dedicated to his community,” Witherington said. “Troy is a better place because of Homer Reeves.”

When Witherington took office in the Troy City Commission in 1984, Reeves was superintendent of the Troy Utilities Department.

“Mr. Homer took the extra time to help me learn the ropes and understand the city’s utility system,” Witherington said. “I rode on the utility truck with him, and he showed me all the facilities and told me how they operated. I am very grateful for all he did to help me.”

Witherington said he knows of few men in his life who have had a larger impact on the Troy community than Reeves.

“Mr. Homer was very conscious about the needs of our community and its people,” he said. “He made sure the utility department provided the best electric service, the best water service and the best sewer service possible. When there was a problem, his department was quick to respond, and he was the first one on site. Mr. Homer deeply cared about his community.”

Witherington said Reeves was one of the kindest and finest men he has ever known.

“He believed in doing the right thing — in always doing the right thing,” Witherington said. “He was a good and honorable man, and he cared about everybody. If there was a funeral or a wedding, he and ‘Miss’ Sally were there. That’s just the kind of man he was. Mr. Homer was a wonderful mentor to me, and I will forever be thankful for knowing him.”

Reeves was also a mentor to former Troy mayor, Jimmy Lunsford, and Lunsford said he will never forget his friendship.

“I came on the Troy City Commission in 1982 and was elected mayor in 1985,” Lunsford said. “Mr. Homer helped me tremendously in getting my feet on the ground. As the utilities superintendent, he had a tremendous knowledge of the electric system and what it took to make it work.”

Lunsford said Reeves impacted the lives of all Troy citizens whether they knew him personally or not.

“When we were negotiating power rates back in 1985 and 1986, it was through Mr. Homer’s leadership that we were able to negotiate the low electric rates that we enjoy today,” Lunsford said. “Those low electric rates help recruit industries and businesses to Troy. So, Mr. Homer has impacted Troy and its citizens in a big way and will continue to do so in years to come.”

Kenny Campbell, co-owner of KW Plastics and executive vice president Sanders Lead, said Reeves was a valued asset to those industries before and after he retired.

“Mr. Homer helped us tremendously,” Campbell said. “He was one of the best men and one of the smartest men I have ever known.

“Mr. Homer was a quiet guy, and he was easy going. He was always willing to help us any time we called on him. It was an honor and a privilege to work with him and to know him.”

Those who worked closely with Reeves said no one knew their job better or did their job better than Reeves. But Reeves was also a community servant, a community leader and an iconic Southern gentleman.

“Mr. Homer was a gentleman in every way,” Lunsford said. “He was good and kind. He treated everyone with respect. Everybody trusted him and loved him. There has been no finer man anywhere. I don’t know what better you could say about any man than that. That is Mr. Homer’s legacy.”