Memories & Candles
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“I grew up in the Wheaton, Silver Spring area as a kid. WDON Radio was my favorite station, because Tom would always play my requests. Tom Cat helped...Read More »
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1 of 6 | Posted by: Tony Suarez - Omaha, NE
“Feb 9, 2013
I have fond memories of "The Tom Cat."
I grew up in Wheaton and Bethesda, Maryland.
I remember as a kid listening to WDON.
The Tom...Read More »
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2 of 6 | Posted by: Jon McLaren - Fremont, CA
“Knew Tom Cat for many years going back to when I lived in DC area. Tom handled my advertising on shows we were promoting... One of the most honest,...Read More »
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3 of 6 | Posted by: D Hondo Austin - Nashville, TN
“My sincere condolences to the Reeder family and friends. I spent many an hour listening to albums from his personal collection, thanks to the warmth...Read More »
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4 of 6 | Posted by: Stacie Keenan 
- Fredericksburg, VA
“MY FAMILY HAD KNOWN TOM CAT FOR MANY YEARS ,I HEAR MY MOM TALK ABOUT HIM ALTHE TIME ,HIM AND EDDIE MATALEY AT BIG-K RADIO, I GOT TO KNOW TOM WHILE HE...Read More »
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5 of 6 | Posted by: JAMES KEITH SEALE - Bealeton, VA
“I have knew Tom for over 30 years. We were introduced by Joe Thompson "The Midnight Cowboy" from WXRA Days.He gave me one of my early breaks in radio...Read More »
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6 of 6 | Posted by: Kevin Harris - Alexandria, VA
James Thomas Reeder, better known as Tom "Cat" Reeder, died on June 30, 2012 at the age of 77.
Tom was born on October 25, 1934 in Blue Springs, Alabama. He is survived by his former wife: Jane Pitts of Clearwater, FL; two daughters: Rebecca Lynn Reeder of Fredericksburg, VA and Onah Joy Reeder of Christiansburg, VA; one granddaughter: Katie McKown-Hernandez, one great granddaughter: Maryah Jane Hernandez both of Anaheim, CA; one brother: Cecil Warren Reeder of Blue Springs, AL; companion: Judy Woodward of Centerville, VA; many nieces and nephews, countless friends, loyal fans and "neighbors".
Tom Cat was a radio personality in the Washington, D.C. area for the past 50 years at several stations including WARL in Arlington, VA; WKCW in Warrenton, VA; WDON in Wheaton, MD and most recently WAMU, in Washington, DC. Early in his career, he also worked at WABB in Mobile, AL; WYAL in Scotland Neck, NC and WARI in Abbeville, AL the latter two of which he was part owner.
Reeder managed artist Clyde Beavers with whom he co-owned Kash Records; founded Tom-Cat Publishing Company and emceed shows around the country, including the National Championship Country Music Contest in Warrenton, VA for more than 20 years where people like Patsy Cline, Jimmy Dean and Roy Clark were winners prior to becoming stars.
Country music fans woke every morning to Tom Cat's familiar voice and theme song "Tomcattin" written by Tom Brumley and recorded for Reeder by Buck Owens. In 1990 Tom "Cat" Reeder was given the highest honor attainable in country radio when he was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in Nashville. In 2005 he was inducted into The Southern Legends Entertainment and Performing Arts Hall of Fame, in Portland, TN. He is also a lifetime member of The Southern Legends Association. He influenced and helped many budding musicians, singers, songwriters and disc jockeys to launch their careers. He will be greatly missed.
Everyone who knew and listened to Tom, remember his signature signoff: "Our time has come and gone. May the good Lord take a likin' to you. And you know what, I hope you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. Bye-bye Darlin'"
