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.
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