William “Bill” Reeder — A Life in Service, A Legacy of Belief and Unity
December 14, 1944 -April 25, 2025
William “Bill” Reeder of Virginia and Maryland, brought light, grace, and substance to every space he entered. Whether performing on stage as a gifted opera singer or shaping young artists as Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University, Bill lived his life immersed in creativity, leadership, and purpose. His passions extended beyond the arts — from training and working with hunting dogs to cultivating deep relationships through decades of work in resource development, Bill pursued excellence in every corner of his life. Born in Kansas, Bill was a devoted family man whose love and pride in those closest to him grounded his extraordinary accomplishments.
But it is his work with the American Council of the Blind (ACB) that we remember most in this tribute. Bill began his ACB journey as a member of our Advisory Board. From the start, he brought insightful questions, a collaborative spirit, and, most importantly, a deep and unwavering belief in the abilities and potential of people who are blind. His respect for the lived experiences of our members wasn't performative — it was innate and immediate.
When Bill joined ACB as a contractor supporting our development department, he became a transformational force. He had a gift for bringing people together, fostering cohesion, and helping staff and affiliates alike define clear goals and meaningful strategies. Under his guidance, ACB expanded its fundraising vision, strengthened partnerships, and found a greater sense of organizational clarity. Bill mentored many of our staff members with patience, generosity, and enthusiasm — always with the belief that success was best when shared.
Beyond his professional impact, Bill’s joy for life was contagious. His love of cooking made him a beloved contributor to ACB auctions and a favorite in the Alexandria office, where his meals brought warmth and laughter. He was a larger-than-life presence without ever needing to dominate the room — a rare and special quality.
Bill Reeder spent his life making things better — for people, for organizations, and for communities. ACB is stronger because of his time with us, and his legacy will continue to shape our future. We are honored to count him among our ACB Angels.
Watch Bill Reeder's Angels' Tribute video on YouTube here