Herman “Herm” Lee Reavis, Roanoke Radio Pioneer, retired from this earthly life on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025. He closed his final broadcast the same way he closed the Radio Bowling reports: “Mama, put the peanut butter away; the old Man from the Mountain is going Home.”
He was born on Friday, October 14, 1932, the son of Paul and Minnie Reavis of Galax, Va. During his lifetime of broadcasting, he achieved awards too numerous to mention. Those who knew him already know the talents of the young man who started his radio career at the age of 14. He loved his work; it became his life. If there had not been many changes in the radio industry, he surely would have tried to work another 64 years. He was proud to be the founder of the “Squirm with Herm” club and always introducing himself as “Your favorite Radio Man”.
Herm was predeceased by his sisters, Baby Joyce Reavis, Peggy Carr, and Lucy Arnold; and brother, Paul Reavis. Also preceding him in death was his daughter, Tina Testerman Davis; and son-in-law, Ron Testerman.
He is survived by his soul mate, his wife of 42 years, Sue Heslep Reavis; and their children who stood with them at their wedding, each of them taking vows to support their parents’ marriage and to become one family with no “step” brothers or sisters. Most have respected those vows. Their children and their families in chronological order are as follows:
Pamela LaPradd; her daughter, Heather Rivers (Jimmy); and their daughters, Eve (Daniel) Peay and Eleana Rivers. Tina’s twin daughters, April and Anna Davis.
Greg Reavis (Stephanie); and their two sons, Mitch (Mariah) and Stuart Reavis.
Penny McNabb; her three children, Suzanna (Dr. Robert) Weldon, baby Vena Frances, Patrick McNabb, and Jaime McNabb.
Perry Heslep (Brenda); and their combined family, Jordan, Lauren, and Carolanne Heslep, and CJ, Erika, and Seana. Herm’s son, Chris Reavis. Phoebe Rakes (Dave); and their two sons, Jack and Sam. Herm’s surviving siblings are Dorothy Bainter, Edna Dillon, Linda Dochterman, and Edward Reavis; sister-in-law, Carole Reavis; and brother-in-law, Tom Arnold.
It was Herm’s wish that there be no funeral service but instead a celebration of his life in the very near future. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his legacy may do so with contributions to the Shelia S. Strauss Hospice House at 4751 Cove Road, NW in Roanoke, Va. 24017 and/or The League of Older Americans Meals on Wheels program at 6402 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, Va. 24019. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
