Funeral services will be held Sunday for well-known local businessman Paul Reeves. Reeves, the founder of Habersham Hardware, passed away Thursday. He was 93.
Originally from Clarkesville, Reeves served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He began his hardware business career in 1946 after returning home from the war. Reeves and his brothers opened Habersham Hardware in downtown Cornelia.
The original store opened in a small 25 x 50 building with five employees. Reeves’ new bride, the former Doris Elder, was one of them. She became his bookkeeper and business partner for the next 66 years.
The couple had four daughters and, as their family grew, the business also grew, eventually expanding to a second store in Clarkesville and employing over 100 people at its peak.
“Paul’s knowledge of lumber and hardware served him well and Habersham Hardware grew into a thriving business,” according to a biography on the hardware store’s website. “Using his profits to grow the shop as well as helping the surrounding community, Paul and his faithful ‘family’ of local employees sold lumber, tools, paint and other building materials.”
More than a store, it was a gathering place
Reeves earned a reputation as a fair and ethical businessman and he surrounded himself with staff who embodied those same ethics. Habersham Hardware became a mainstay in the local community, eventually expanding its product lines to include lawn and garden equipment, home furnishings and decor, electronics, and more.
It also became a favorite gathering spot for farmers and laborers who enjoyed convenient access to products they needed and engaging conversations with the knowledgeable, friendly, sales staff.
Paul Reeves’ influence in the community extended well beyond his stores’ doors. He was an active civic leader and church member, as well.
Reeves was in the Rotary Club, Cornelia Optimist Club, and was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge #92 F&AM for 69 years, according to his obituary. He also served as a Trustee of Piedmont College.
In 2015, he was inducted into the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years and three daughters.
His funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Cornelia United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Church following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reeves Benevolence Fund which helps people in need in Habersham County. Donations may be made online at www.ngcf.org/donate or by mail at Reeves Benevolence Fund, care of North Georgia Community Foundation, 615 F Oak Street, Suite 1300, Gainesville, GA 30501.
