Alfred "Al" Duel Reeder

Alfred “Al” Duel Reeder was born the eldest of five brothers in Barnes Ridge, Tennessee, on January 8, 1936, to father Alfred and mother Delia (Clark) Reeder. From a young age, Al showed a drive and ambition to excel, despite many challenges, including the loss of both parents by the age of 18. After graduating from high school, Al joined the Army and served in Germany before returning to marry the love of his life, Martha Alean Johnson, and earn his bachelor’s degree in business management from Tennessee Technological University. In 1961, he, his wife, and son, Ricky, moved to Robins Air Force Base as a contracting program intern. In 1962, he transferred to Huntsville, Alabama, to work in procurement on Redstone Arsenal, where his second son, Timothy, was born. Al would continue on to earn his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and work on the Lance program until transferring to the then-fledgling Patriot missile program, where he would become the deputy project manager. In 1986, he became the director of procurement for the U.S. Army Missile Command (MICOM), from which he retired in 1993. Through his work ethic and a philosophy that if he took care of his people, they would take care of him, he received many promotions as well as multiple distinguished awards. However, Al Reeder’s greatest achievement, in his eyes, was the love and success he saw in his family, who were each motivated to reach their potential by his unconditional love and pride in their achievements. The ability to inspire those around him to succeed made Al a pillar in his family, community, and Church, where he served as an elder and song leader. He is remembered for not only his leadership, but also his colorful stories, warmth, guitar music, and passion for the outdoors that he eagerly shared. While his loss is mourned, he has left a legacy of invaluable contributions to the nation’s defense, and, more importantly, a heritage of strength, courage, and affection for all of those around him. His love and godly influence will continue on in the lives of many grateful generations to come, which he would consider the greatest memorial of all.

This legacy is continued by his wife, Alean Reeder; brothers and sisters-in-law Hollis and Jane and Jerry and Cynthia Reeder; his two sons and their wives, Ricky and Peggy and Timothy and Jana Reeder; four grandchildren and their spouses, Hannah and Jason Eissler, Rebekah and Trent Dutton, Jonathan and Kate Reeder, and Brian Stowers; and his great-granddaughter, Abigail Reeder Dutton, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by parents Alfred and Delia Reeder and brothers Harland and James Reeder. Visitation for Al will be held Friday, April 1, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Following the visitation will be the celebration of life service at 11:00 AM at Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Al will be laid to rest at Valhalla Memory Gardens, Huntsville, AL. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Reeder family.