The Story of Eddie Charles Reed Jr.
On July 20, 1992, in Hope, Arkansas, Yolanda Marts and Eddie Reed Sr. welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world, Eddie Charles Reed Jr.
From the very beginning, Little Eddie made his presence known. He came into this world with a burst of energy, the biggest dimples, and a personality that would grow to be all his own. Little did his family know just how much life, laughter, and love this little boy would bring into their world.
Those dimples were just the beginning of a story filled with memories, unforgettable moments, and a life that would leave its mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Little Eddie spent his childhood growing up in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, surrounded by cousins and family whom he absolutely adored. His early years were filled with the love and closeness of family, creating memories and bonds that would become a special part of his life’s story. Family wasn’t just something Little Eddie was born into; it was something he cherished. If you knew Little Eddie, you knew there was never a dull moment when he was around. His personality was larger than life, and he was without a doubt the clown of the bunch! He always had a joke ready, something funny to say, or a way of making everybody around him laugh. Whether you were having a good day or a bad one, Little Eddie had a way of bringing a smile to your face. But behind all those jokes, that big personality, and those unforgettable dimples was an even bigger heart. Little Eddie was loving, caring, and the kind of person who would help anybody if he could. His love for others was genuine, and he never needed a special occasion to show it.
Eddie attended Mineral Springs High School, proudly graduating with the Class of 2010. After graduation, he entered the workforce, beginning his career at Tyson Foods. He later joined Barnes Paper, where he had been employed for the past year.
As much as Eddie enjoyed a good laugh and spending time with family and friends, nothing compared to the love he had for his children. They were his whole world, his pride and joy, and the people who held the biggest pieces of his heart. Spending time with them brought him a happiness that words could never fully describe. Of all the roles Eddie played in life, being a father was one he treasured most. And we certainly can’t tell Little Eddie’s story without mentioning his beloved Houston Texans! Eddie was a true fan, and it didn’t take much to get his hopes up. Let those Texans win just ONE game, and according to Eddie, they were already headed to the Super Bowl! Win or lose, his loyalty never wavered, and neither did his confidence that this was going to be their year. That was Eddie — always full of excitement, always hopeful, and always giving everybody something to laugh about. To know Eddie was truly to love him. He wasn’t someone you could easily forget. His laughter, his jokes, his big heart, and those signature dimples were all part of what made him so special. Eddie’s life was about more than the years he lived. It was about the love he gave, the laughter he shared, the children he adored, and the memories he leaves behind.
On October 2, 2026, Eddie’s bright light left this world far sooner than anyone could have imagined. His unexpected passing left hearts broken and a space in his family’s lives that can never truly be filled. Although his 34 years with us were far too few, the impact he made was anything but small. Eddie didn’t need a long lifetime to leave a lasting impression. He did that simply by being himself.
Left to cherish his beautiful memories and carry his love in their hearts are his devoted parents, Eddie Reed Sr. and Yolanda Marts; his loving significant other, Chasity Holmes; and his beautiful children, Ke’Leyah Reed, Eri’Yanna Reed, Mercedes Reed, Marcel Reed, Malaysia Reed, Zaylen Reed, Kyrie Reed, and Amir Reed; along with his two bonus sons, Braylon Holmes and Kenan Green Jr.
His memory will also be treasured by his siblings: Brandon Taylor (Amanda), Damika McFadden, Robin Marts Hunter, Trellany Young, Cassandra Rhone, Daphanie Rhone, Michele Burton (Lee), and Tia Miller.
Eddie also leaves behind his loving aunts, Rita Reed, Shirley Lawson, Darlene Okafor, Marion Stafford and Margret Davis; great-aunt, Evelyn Love; and uncles, Wilburn Taylor Jr., Cecil Reed Jr., James Reed (Glenda), Billy Reed, Michael Reed (Denise), David Reed (Caroline), and Jeffery Reed.
He also leaves a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him deeply and whose lives were made brighter simply because he was part of them.
Eddie was preceded in death by his stepfather, David Marts; his maternal grandparents, Bessie and Wilburn Taylor; his paternal grandparents, Cecil and Clara Reed; his beloved aunts, Leonette Spencer Finely, Ollie Faye Reed, and Ellen Kaye Reed; and his uncle, Glen Reed
To know Eddie was truly to love him. He wasn’t someone you could easily forget, and he certainly wasn’t someone who could walk into a room unnoticed. His laughter, his jokes, his big heart, and those signature dimples were all part of what made him so special.
Little Eddie, we weren’t ready to say goodbye. We wanted more time, more laughter, more family gatherings, more jokes, and yes, even a few more seasons of you believing those Texans were headed to the Super Bowl.
But if love alone could have kept you here, you would have stayed forever.
Your time with us may have been shorter than we ever imagined, but the love you gave and the memories you created will last for generations.
Your light may no longer shine here beside us, but it will forever shine through the lives you touched, the laughter you shared, and most of all, the children who carry a part of you with them every day.
Rest peacefully, Little Eddie. You were loved beyond words, and you will be missed beyond measure.
Events
Visitation
Friday, October 16, 2026
12:00PM – 5:00PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 S. Hazel Street
PO Box 548
Hope, AR 71801
Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, October 17, 2026
11:00AM
Mineral Springs Gymnasium
130 West Browning Street
Mineral Springs, AR 71851
Final Resting Place
Reed Cemetery
Reed Lane
Schaal , AR 71851