It is with glad yet heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Harry Lloyd Reeder III, a beloved pastor, faithful servant of God, and devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather. Harry departed this earthly realm on May 18, 2023, in Birmingham, AL, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of the countless lives he touched. Harry was a man of unwavering faith, unyielding dedication, and unparalleled compassion.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Cindy Miller Reeder; his sister, Beth Reeder Thomas; his three children, Jennifer Toomer Hay, Harry Lloyd Reeder, IV, and Abigail Reeder Leib. He is also survived and lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Brianna, CJ, Mack, Kathryn Barrett and Anna Grace (Toomer-Hay), Virginia and Win Turpin (Reeder), and Matthias, Taylor, and Mitchell Elizabeth (Leib); along with nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a congregation and community that will forever be grateful for his faithful service and leadership.
Born on 16 February 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Harry dedicated his life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and exemplifying the love and compassion that Jesus showed to all. He was a man of unwavering faith, profound wisdom, and a heart filled with grace. Harry’s parents, Harry Jr. and Evelyn, moved frequently because of Harry Jr’s career in baseball. After settling back down in Charlotte, Harry graduated from East Mecklenburg high school. He continued to East Carolina University in Greenville, NC to play baseball, but met Cindy Miller in the summer of 1968. They married in January of 1969 and after attending church in the fall of 1969, Harry gave his life to Christ and that spring experienced a calling to pastoral ministry. After Cindy’s graduation at University of North Carolina Charlotte, Harry transferred from East Carolina to Covenant College where he studied theology and history. He graduated from Covenant College in 1974 and began to pastor a reformed Baptist church in Lookout Valley. Harry moved into the Presbyterian Church in America in 1980 at Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida. After seeing a work of revitalization at Pinelands, Harry was called to plant Christ Covenant Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, returning to his hometown. He served at Christ Covenant for seventeen years, seeing God grow the congregation from thirty-four core members to over 3,000 by his departure in 1999.
During this time, Harry graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (Master of Divinity) and Reformed Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry).
Harry's journey at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church as a senior pastor began in 1999, following in the footsteps of his lifelong mentor and friend, Dr. Frank Barker, where he served as Senior Pastor for twenty-four years. Under his leadership, the congregation flourished, and the church became a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for the lost. His profound sermons, filled with biblical truth and practical application, inspired, and transformed the lives of many, guiding them on their spiritual journeys. Harry also conceived of and lead the Embers to a Flame (now Lampstand) Conference for church vitality and revitalization for over 30 years, helping countless churches grow in biblical church health.
Beyond the walls of the church, Harry was a tireless advocate for truth, justice, mercy, and compassion. He believed in the power of the Gospel to bring about societal change and actively worked to see the gospel impact the culture around him. He was indefatigable in his work for the sanctity of life, theological education, church revitalization, and leadership training.
Harry served on numerous community boards, councils, and committees, but his deep love was in being a lecturer for Ligonier Ministries, a board member of Westminster Theological Seminary, council member of the Gospel Reformation Network, and board member and faculty at Birmingham Theological Seminary.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Harry Reeder III was an accomplished author, theologian, and teacher. His books and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
Harry will be remembered for his genuine love for others, his infectious laughter, booming voice, and his unwavering commitment to God's Word. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, offering comfort, guidance, and hope during their darkest moments. He was known around the world for his ability to take complex theological topics and make them understandable and applicable for everyone.
A celebration of life service will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 24, 1 PM (CDT) to honor and remember Harry Reeder III's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Harry Reeder Scholarship Fund at Birmingham Theological Seminary, the Harry Reeder Memorial Fund at the National Christian Foundation, or to Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.
Harry would leave all with this message: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
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