Bob Reathaford, 80, formerly of Wataga, IL, passed away peacefully in his home in Myrtle Beach, SC, on December 27, 2024. He was born in Galesburg, IL, the son of William Landis and Dorothy Bernice (Lagnese) Reathaford. Bob married Arlene Carr in Galesburg, IL, on October 4, 1969. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Shawn (Dawnita) Reathaford of St. Louis, Shelly Reathaford of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Scott (Laura) Reathaford of Los Angeles; Grandchildren Sara and Natalie Reathaford of St. Louis, and Emma Reathaford of Los Angeles; a sister-in-law, Nancy Reathaford, of Galesburg, IL; and brothers-in law, Don (Clara) Carr of Indianapolis, and Larry (Jill) Carr of Hampton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Mike Reathaford, a sister, Polly Jones, and brothers-in-law, Rollie Jones and Ron Carr.
Bob was born and raised in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1963, and later with an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Carl Sandburg College. He served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967 where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Forrestal. He was a lineman with Centel / Sprint Telephone Company until he retired. Bob was also a member of the American Legion in Murrells Inlet, SC. Bob enjoyed spending time with his beloved dog, Ellie, woodworking, fishing, building models, and grilling and smoking meats for extravagant cookouts for his family and friends.
The family has entrusted Bob to Lewis Crematory and Funeral Home of Myrtle Beach. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled by the family at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Administration of Myrtle Beach and MSA Hospice. The family would like to pay special thanks to Teresa Knox with Visiting Angels, Myrtle Beach, SC, and the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, Station 4, for their love and compassion shown to Bob throughout the years.
