Willie "Monk" Reeder, Jr.

Willie Reeder Jr., affectionately known as “Monk,” passed away peacefully at home in Carneys Point, New Jersey, on September 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Willie was born on September 12, 1941, in Newberry, South Carolina, to the late Willie Reeder and Lou Carrie Reeder. He spent his early years in Newberry before moving to Washington, D.C., and eventually settling in Wilmington, Delaware.

From a young age, Willie was a hard worker. As a teenager, he delivered Pepsi and worked as a golf caddie. He later began his career with Chrysler in Newark, Delaware, where he worked for more than 30 years before retiring. Following his retirement, Willie made his home in Carneys Point, New Jersey, where he became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church.

Family was at the center of Willie’s life. He loved being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and extended family, and he was proud to continue the Reeder family name. He shared a special bond with his youngest granddaughter, Zy’avia, with whom he loved talking and spending time. Their relationship was a source of great joy to him. 

In his later years, Stacey became her father’s caregiver. Through those years together, their relationship grew beyond that of father and daughter into a deep friendship built on love, trust, laughter, and unwavering support.

Willie loved life and was known for his generosity, fun-loving personality, and ability to connect with people of all ages. He was the fun uncle everyone wanted to see. Willie was known for telling it like it was and never being afraid to speak his mind. He was also known for being a sharp dresser and took pride in looking good.

Willie formed many meaningful friendships throughout his life, and many of those friendships became family. Among those was a special lifelong friendship with the late Willie Hill, whom he considered a brother. Willie proudly served as godfather to Hill’s late son, Aaron.

Willie loved watching football, basketball, and, most of all, professional wrestling. Monday nights often found him glued to the television watching Monday Night Raw. He also loved Westerns and considered himself a cowboy.

Willie was strong and determined. After becoming a double amputee, he set a personal goal of walking again. Although he experienced setbacks along the way, he never abandoned that goal. His determination and positive spirit inspired those around him. Even shortly before his passing, Willie continued working with his occupational and physical therapists toward walking again. His perseverance was a testament to the strength of his spirit and the way he chose to face life’s challenges.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Stacey Reeder, Willie Lamont Reeder, and Norma Covington Selby (Wayne); his grandchildren, Samyra Bishop, Lanija Johnson (Dareon), Lamont Robinson, Ryheem Reeder, Zy’aire Reeder, Zy’avia Reeder, Zahvier Reeder, Isyha Covington, Wayne Covington, Keith Covington, Antwine Covington, Kavii Covington, Tysheik Covington, Kwame Covington, LaTrance Johnson, Syesa Jackson, Kmar Rollins, Kjuan Rollins, and K’anee Rollins; 38 great-grandchildren; his siblings James Mayer, Nathaniel Mayer (Sandra), Hattie Suber, Barbara Suber, and Betty Jo Jacobs (Rogers); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many extended family members, including Falysha Beltran, Brandi Feliciano and Christa Siddons.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Covington; his son, Anthony McLean; and his siblings Tensley Mayer, William Mayer, David Mayer, and Charles Mayer.

Willie was truly one-of-a-kind. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched, the family he loved so dearly, and the laughter and stories that will continue to be shared for generations to come.