Larry J Reeder Sr.

Larry Reeder was born on October 23, 1947, in Washington, DC to Cleveland and Inez Reeder. As a young boy, Larry’s family moved to Ohio, where they settled with his Aunt Lucille on 48th Street off

Woodland. During that time, his mom became Catholic and joined St. Edwards, and Larry spent part of his childhood serving as an altar boy.

The family later moved to 8004 Lynwood in the Hough area, and Larry attended St. Agnes grade school before graduating from East High School. After high school, Larry was drafted to the Army, alongside his brother Butch, where they both served in the Vietnam War.

In the mid-’60s, the family moved to Dickens, where Larry began his journey as a barber, inspired by his dad. He attended Erma Lee Barber College and opened a shop with his father, starting his entrepreneurial career. In August 1970, he opened Reeder’s Hair Affair with Sam Turner on Woodhill. That same year, he met Shirley Brown when he shaped up her afro, and they fell in love. They married in 1972 and had three kids: Larry Jr., Kareema, and Shirley (Sherise).

Larry was known in the community for his larger-than-life personality. He was a proud member of the Magnificent 10 social club that was known for hosting parties, cabarets, and social events. Reeder’s Hair Affair wasn’t just a barber shop—it was a cornerstone of the Woodhill neighborhood. Larry was more than a barber; he was a mentor, a friend, and a social worker to many. He sponsored back-to-school haircuts and gave generously to those in need. His presence in the community was so significant that he was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Woodhill.”

Though Larry was a private man, he lived with a strong sense of integrity, dignity, and discipline. He was deeply family-oriented and always made it a point to be present for his children and grandchildren’s milestones. His life wasn’t without struggles, but his faith and religious foundation guided him through them all. He was preceded in death by his brother Cleveland (Butch) Reeder and grandson Zyree Ladson.

Larry is survived by his son Larry Reeder, Jr., daughters Kareema Reeder and Shirley Ladson; seven grandchildren; Theodore (Teddy) Whitfield, Kamayah Reeder, Justice Reeder, Erin Ladson, Za’Aron

Ladson, Zy’ria Laray Ladson, and Benicio Reeder, his two sisters, Linda Jordan and Madeline Morris (husband Ralph); his brother Fred Reeder (wife Janice); his half-sister Ruth Craigen, nieces and nephews; James (Jay) Craigen II, Dr. Rhea Craigen, Andrea Reeder, Tyrone Reeder, Antonio (Tony) Reeder, Inez Jordan, Michelle Jordan, Theresa Morris, Tiffany Morris, Marvin Morris, Fred Reeder Jr., and

extended family.

Larry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was truly one of a kind.