Story by Kelsey Boyd
During its annual banquet and awards ceremony last month, the Russellville Chamber of Commerce honored an individual who has devoted countless hours to the Russellville community through his time, money and efforts. Roy Reaves, Chairman and CEO of the Central Division of Liberty Bank, was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber for his many years of service to Russellville.
Upon accepting the award, presented by 2006 Citizen of the Year Chuck Gordon, Roy expressed his appreciation to a packed crowd.
“It’s not very often that I’m speechless,” said the surprised recipient. He acknowledged his blessings and good health, and attributed his strong work ethic to his parents, hard-working Southeastern Missouri farmers.
Roy has always been an active member of the Russellville community, both personally and professionally.
According to Roy, “Community service is important to any business person.” He holds that “our business can only be as good as the community where we live and work.”
He believes in a community-minded business and encourages Liberty Bank employees and other business professionals to become active in the Russellville community.
“We have such a great community and so many other people that are interested in working to make it better,” he notes.
“It’s not very often that I’m speechless,” said the surprised recipient. He acknowledged his blessings and good health, and attributed his strong work ethic to his parents, hard-working Southeastern Missouri farmers.
Roy has always been an active member of the Russellville community, both personally and professionally.
According to Roy, “Community service is important to any business person.” He holds that “our business can only be as good as the community where we live and work.”
He believes in a community-minded business and encourages Liberty Bank employees and other business professionals to become active in the Russellville community.
“We have such a great community and so many other people that are interested in working to make it better,” he notes.
Roy’s enthusiasm for volunteerism is evident in his many activities. He serves on a number of boards, including River Valley Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority where he serves as Chairman, Pope County Soil and Conservation Board, Rotary Club, and the River Valley Heart Association. He is past Chairman of the Board of Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. Roy is Director Emeritus of the Tech Foundation and serves on the Board of Trustees for Harding University. He is also involved in his local church, Westside Church of Christ, where he serves as an adult Bible school teacher and servant group leader.
Not only has Roy been recognized locally for his tireless efforts, but statewide, as well. In 1982, the Arkansas Community Development Program selected Roy as the recipient for its Award of Accomplishment for Community Development and, in the same year, Nashville, Arkansas, selected Roy as its Citizen of the Year.
Roy credits his education and personal drive to his many accomplishments. He recalls always having a “burning desire to know more and have additional opportunities.”
According to Roy, “the banking profession has allowed me those opportunities for which I am very thankful. God has blessed me richly.” He also feels blessed to live in Russellville, Arkansas, a city he says has “everything that a person would want.”
“It’s a growing community, and that’s really important,” Roy said.
“Russellville is vibrant… and has opportunities for growth through development and advancement.”
Roy has played a key role in Russellville’s growth through his involvement in the new convention center, which he says will bring many opportunities and new people to the community. Roy notes the achievements of past leaders and volunteers in the community who helped make Russellville into the developing city it is today.
“People that have gone before us have laid the foundation, so we’re just building on what others have done.”
Roy’s passion for Russellville is conveyed in his spirit of volunteerism. He is optimistic about Russellville’s future and plans to stay involved in the community for many years to come. He encourages everyone to get involved.
“You’re not too young, you’re not too old. There’s always a job you can do for the betterment of our community.”
Not only has Roy been recognized locally for his tireless efforts, but statewide, as well. In 1982, the Arkansas Community Development Program selected Roy as the recipient for its Award of Accomplishment for Community Development and, in the same year, Nashville, Arkansas, selected Roy as its Citizen of the Year.
Roy credits his education and personal drive to his many accomplishments. He recalls always having a “burning desire to know more and have additional opportunities.”
According to Roy, “the banking profession has allowed me those opportunities for which I am very thankful. God has blessed me richly.” He also feels blessed to live in Russellville, Arkansas, a city he says has “everything that a person would want.”
“It’s a growing community, and that’s really important,” Roy said.
“Russellville is vibrant… and has opportunities for growth through development and advancement.”
Roy has played a key role in Russellville’s growth through his involvement in the new convention center, which he says will bring many opportunities and new people to the community. Roy notes the achievements of past leaders and volunteers in the community who helped make Russellville into the developing city it is today.
“People that have gone before us have laid the foundation, so we’re just building on what others have done.”
Roy’s passion for Russellville is conveyed in his spirit of volunteerism. He is optimistic about Russellville’s future and plans to stay involved in the community for many years to come. He encourages everyone to get involved.
“You’re not too young, you’re not too old. There’s always a job you can do for the betterment of our community.”
