Kenneth Small, Jr
Posted By Chapel Of Peace Team On April 5, 2023 @ 11:58 am In Obituaries,Columbus Obituaries | 6 Comments
Kenneth Reginald Small, II. was born November 20, 1969, in Matewan, West Virginia to Grace Dunlap-Ba
and Kenneth Small, Sr. They moved to Columbus, Ohio around 1970 while he was still a baby. Lovingly
known as “Reggie” and “Kenny”, he was the oldest of his 2 siblings (Demetrius Small and Antwan Burgess).
Over the years he gained 2 additional father figures who grew to love and care for Reggie as their own,
William Burgess, and Diakariyaw (Zach) Ba. He also gained eight siblings through those blended families.
Reggie graduated in Columbus with his General Educational Development certificate in 1993 but living
life to the fullest taught him some of the most important lessons. He later attended and graduated from
the Ohio Media School for Broadcasting. Reggie loved, protected, and valued family and was a great
mentor to many people that he encountered. Although Reggie never had any biological children, he
loved, helped raise, and was very instrumental in the lives of many. He cared for his family
unconditionally.
Reggie was an extremely intelligent individual. The knowledge that he gained from his life experiences,
and the knowledge attained through researching and studying in his free time allowed him to talk about
a plethora of subjects, for hours. He was a proud member of the 10,000 Fearless Peacemakers
movement and valued the time spent helping to make our communities a decent and safe place to live.
He was an avid reader and storyteller. He enjoyed doing arts and crafts, writing, and baking, but one of
his favorite pastimes was taking his grandchildren fishing.
His passion for travel and music led him to visit numerous states throughout the U.S. and abroad, and he
became the CEO of his own entertainment business, Daybreak Entertainment. His favorite genres of
music included Reggae, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, and Soul to name a few, and his favorite artist was
Sade.
Reggie was the biggest Cleveland Browns fan and would represent the team often. Reggie spent
most of his career in the auto industry, working at several dealerships throughout the city of Columbus.
Reggie was preceded in death by his beautiful mother; Grace Dunlap-Ba, brother; William Burgess,
Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory his biological father; Kenneth Small, Sr., bonus dads; William
Burgess, and Zach Ba; siblings; Demetrius Small, Monique’ Faison, Antwan Burgess, Erique’ (Travis)
Arrington, Anthony Harris, LaTasha (Quincey) Thurmond, Lawrence Wells, Mary Wells, Brandon Burgess,
and Angel Burnett, children; Asja McCallister, Tiana Lockett, Marqual Betters, and Shawn Betters, twelve grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Reggie will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation 1:00pm and Funeral 2:00pm Monday, April 17, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.
Condolences for the family of “Kenneth Small, Jr”
Cousin you will be greatly missed. My heart is broken but your memory will forever live on. I’m going to miss the phone calls and long conversations. You are my big cousin and my favorite. Cousin you was the glue to the family and I’m glad you made it to Vegas to spend time with us and I was hoping you found a job here and stay. Remember when you baby cousin Myah would wait up for you to make her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Give my Aunty Grace a big hug for me. I will always love my big cousin Reggie. I love you cuz.
R I P
To Pam and Family, Cherish the moments you had with Reginald and always know that he cherished moments with you. I have one memory of Reginald and that was the time when he was a little boy and he went missing. Had the whole neighborhood including a helicopter looking for him, all along he was in a building taking a nap. Observing Reginald as an adult he seemed very caring and patient which is a great asset in life. Luv you Family!
Always
Rise’ and Family
Reg,
We have known each other since we were teenagers all my kids call you Uncle Reg so I am still trying to wrap my head around not seeing you on your 5 hour visits (smile). Your are present with the Lord and that is what helps to understand this all. You will be with your mom and make sure to tell my mom we miss and love her (I know she was fussing when she saw you)!. It has been a pleasure knowing you and having the most fun ever sitting on mommy’s porch telling jokes and hanging out! Rest in Heaven and I will see you again one day!!
Wendy Dean-Files and Family (Tejuan and the kids)
mane i still dont believe that my pawpaw rlly gone ive known that man my whole life ima forever carry his name ill see u soon pawpaw-javiontae
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Kenny was the first person I met in Columbus when I came here to work at Ricart automotive. He was a very genuine person who took time to introduce me to the city. I appreciated that he made me feel like family right away, and at work he was the common bond to a lot people’s relationships. We lost touch for a number of years, but when I did briefly reconnect with him it was if we never lost touch. He was the same genuine guy who cared about people and enjoyed deep conversations. My condolences to the family in your loss of a beautiful spirit.