Mr. Herman “Big Bopper” Reeves

Herman Reeves, Jr. (Big Bopper) was born September 18, 1941 to Herman Sr. and Lena Kate Reeves in Columbus, Ohio and passed away on January 28, 2022. He was educated and graduated from Central High School. His radiant and warm personality naturally drew people to him; and as a result of this, he had a vast amount of friends.

Junior, as referred to him by his parents and 5 sisters, previously was employed by Coca Cola, Jacob & Sons and a lifetime member of Local 423.

In the early years of his athletic development, many thought that Junior (affectionately called “Uncle Big Head” by his nieces/nephews) displayed equal talent at basketball and baseball as a young student at Everett Junior High School in Columbus, Oho. He earned Certificates of Meritorious Award in each of his last two years (1956 and 1957) for his contributions in varsity baseball and varsity basketball.

Success and accolades followed him to Central High School where his varsity basketball exploits for the Pirates garnered more Certificates of Meritorious Awards in 1958, 1959 and 1960. His 1960 senior year accomplishments included: 1st Team All-City, Associated Press Class AA All Ohio High School Basketballers Award, United Press International All Ohio Cagers Honorable Mention and many more awards. Nicknamed “Big Bopper”, the 6’3″ forward/center was known for his leaping ability and was known as an early day “trash talker” that backed up his rhetoric with hustle and a devasting hook-shot.

After graduation from Central, Junior played in and earned numerous awards with a number of AAU and Industrial League teams. He logged seven years playing semi-professional basketball, playing in nine gold medal tournaments of which he was selected Tournament MVP three times. In 2015, Junior was inducted into the Greater Columbus Basketball Legends Hall of Fame. In addition to this, he was also presented the My Brother’s Keeper Humanitarian Award for his commitment to helping others and providing support to fellow players and community members.

Junior was predeceased by his parents Herman Sr. and Lena Kate Reeves. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Reeves; sisters Florence Rogers-Adams, Rosa Rodgers, Pearl Washington, Helen Reeves and Diane (Thomas) Ford; significant other Paula Stewart; best friend Walter Stewart, Sr.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends to numerous to mention.

DUE TO THE WEATHER SERVICES HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED. Mr. Reeves will Lie in State at 10:00am, Family will receive friends at 11:00am and Home Going Service at 12:00 noon Wednesday February 9, 2022 at Trinity Baptist Church 461 St. Clair Ave. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.
Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST 5456 E. Livingston Ave. Services can be streamed at Trinity Baptist Church YouTube Channel, Trinity Baptist Church Facebook, and www.Trinity-Baptist.com. To read the complete obituary, order flowers and to offer condolences to The REEVES Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com