Harry Reeder Car Accident, Harry Reeder Obituary
by Ushapriyanga
Updated May 19, 2023
Harry Reeder Car Accident
Rev. Harry Reeder III, the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. On Thursday morning, a collision occurred on Dunnavant Valley Road near Dunnavant Place. Reeder's vehicle, a 2022 Buick Envision, crashed into the rear of a stopped 2022 International dump truck as it was making a turn. Sadly, Reeder, 75 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene by Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans. The driver of the dump truck, Brad Dawson, aged 38, was unharmed in the accident.
Rev. Harry Reeder III had been serving as the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church since 1999 when he succeeded Rev. Frank Barker, the church's founder. Briarwood Presbyterian Church has a substantial congregation with over 4,000 members. In response to this tragic event, Briarwood's Executive Pastor Bruce Stallings released a statement to AL.com, expressing their condolences and addressing the loss.
“It is with a deeply heavy heart that I communicate to you that our Lord has called Pastor Reeder home through a car accident. Please pray for Cindy, Jennifer, Ike, Abby and their entire family as well as our staff and church family as we all grieve this tremendous loss together. But we do not grieve without hope because we know our pastor is with His Savior and has been received by grace with - ‘Well done My good and faithful servant.’'’
Harry Reeder Obituary
In a tragic accident, Rev. Harry Reeder III, the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, passed away on Thursday morning. Apart from his role as a pastor, Reeder was also known as an author and podcast host. He leaves behind his loving wife, Cindy, as well as three children and several grandchildren.
Reeder embarked on his educational journey at East Carolina University, but he chose to withdraw in order to support his wife's pursuit of a BA degree in chemistry from UNCC. Once Cindy completed her studies, Reeder resumed his own academic pursuits, eventually obtaining his undergraduate degree in History and Bible from Covenant College in 1974.
Following his passion for ministry, Reeder began serving as a pastor at an Independent Bible Church in the Chattanooga area. During this time, he attended Tennessee Temple Seminary on a part-time basis while dedicating himself to his pastoral duties. Subsequently, Reeder transitioned to become a Presbyterian pastor at Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami.
It was during this period that he completed his Master of Divinity Degree with Westminster Seminary through the Florida Theological Center. Under Reeder's leadership, Pinelands Presbyterian Church experienced remarkable growth, with attendance soaring from 50 to over 400 during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.
Rev. Harry Reeder III will be remembered for his dedication to the ministry, his scholarly pursuits, and his significant contributions to the congregations he served. His passing is mourned by the Briarwood Presbyterian Church community and all those who knew and loved him.
Harry Reeder Birmingham
On Thursday, a tragic car accident claimed the life of Harry L. Reeder III, the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. The news of Pastor Reeder's passing was shared by Briarwood Presbyterian Church through a heartfelt post on their Facebook page. The church expressed their deepest condolences to the Reeder family and their entire church community during this difficult time.
The Facebook post conveyed the heavy sorrow felt by the church, stating, "It is with profound sadness that we inform you that Pastor Reeder has been called home by our Lord as a result of a car accident.
We ask for your prayers for Cindy, Jennifer, Ike, Abby, and their entire family, as well as our staff and church community, as we collectively mourn this tremendous loss." The post continued with a message of hope, emphasizing that even in their grief, they find solace in the knowledge that Pastor Reeder is now in the presence of his Savior and has been welcomed with the words, "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
The passing of Pastor Harry L. Reeder III has left a profound impact on the Briarwood Presbyterian Church, and they join together in prayer and support for the Reeder family and their congregation as they navigate this time of mourning.
Harry Reeder Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Reverend Harry Reeder III was actively involved at Briarwood Christian School, where he regularly delivered speeches at chapel services and participated in various school events. The school shared the news of his passing on their social media platforms on Thursday afternoon. In response, all school activities, including the scheduled spring football game, were canceled for the evening.
Ken Friday, a church member since 1985, considered Reeder not only his pastor but also a close friend. Friday described Reeder as a leader with a servant's heart and expressed the devastating and unexpected nature of the loss. However, he also emphasized the hope that comes from knowing Reeder is now with the Lord. Friday highlighted Reeder's passion for mission work, and he plans to remember Reeder's legacy through the Bible verse Matthew 28:19-20.
Lacey Silvey, whose daughter was recently baptized by Reeder, spoke about the profound impact of his leadership on her family. Silvey reflected on the preciousness of life and the fleeting nature of its moments. She mentioned that Reeder had baptized four of her children over the seven years since their family joined Briarwood Presbyterian Church, and his influence will leave a lasting impression on her young family.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported that the two-vehicle crash occurred around 10 a.m., resulting in the closure of all lanes on Dunnavant Valley Road. The Shelby County Coroner's Office confirmed Reeder's death in the crash, stating that he was driving a car that collided with the back of a garbage truck. Reeder was pronounced dead at the scene. Further details about the accident have not been released by the ALEA.
Harry Reeder Car Accident-FAQs
Rev. Harry Reeder III was the senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. He was also an author and podcast host.
Rev. Harry Reeder III was involved in a fatal car accident on Thursday morning.
Rev. Reeder was actively involved at Briarwood Christian School, regularly speaking at chapel services and participating in school events.
The church and school expressed their condolences and shared the news of Rev. Reeder's passing through social media. School activities, including a spring football game, were canceled as a result.
The official statement expressed deep sadness, offered condolences to the Reeder family and the church community, and conveyed a message of hope in the midst of grief.