1937
2017
William James "Bill" Reed, 79, of Wake Village, Texas, passed away on August 29, 2017.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at East Funeral on Moores Lane in Texarkana. Graveside service will be at Lonoke Cemetery in Lonoke, Arkansas at 4:00 p.m, Saturday, September 2, 2017 officiated by Rev. Jackie Bettis of Oklahoma City.
Bill was born in Lonoke, Arkansas on October 12, 1937. He graduated from Lonoke High School and continued to receive degrees from Texarkana College, Arkansas State Teacher's College (UCA), and a Masters degree from the University of Mississippi.
Bill married Kerin Kittler on August 30, 1958: they were married 59 years.
Bill served as a coach and teacher for 43 years in Marked Tree, Wilson, Jonesboro, Jacksonville, and Texarkana, Arkansas; Simms, Texas; and Bartlett, Tennessee. His coaching career includes three state championships in football (Jacksonville 1976, 1978, & 1981), producing nine players that played in the NFL (including NFL Hall of Famer Dan Hampton and two time Super Bowl Champion Rod Smith). His coaching and athletic director honors include: Arkansas High School Football Coach of the Year (twice); Lowell Manning Outstanding High School Football Coach (twice); Curtis King Career Service Coaching Award; Buzz Bolding Lifetime Achievement Award; Athletic Director of the Year (three times); National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Award of Merit; and was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association, Arkansas High School Athletic Administrators Association, and the Jacksonville Sports Halls of Fame along with numerous other honors.
Bill is survived by his wife, Kerin; two sons and daughters-in-law; Scott and Connie Reed of El Dorado, Arkansas and Mark and Wendy Reed of Texarkana, Texas; six grandchildren: Taylor, Lucas, Dustin, William, Andrew, and Gabrielle; one sister: Dorothy Oliver of Fort Worth, Texas, sister -in-law; Kara Jackson of Searcy, Arkansas and a brother-in-law; Henry Kittler of Forrest City, Arkansas and numerous other family and friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Reed, sisters: Lou Jefcoats, Mary Cowen, and Anna George Reed.
The family of Bill Reed wishes to thank all who brightened his days by calling and visiting. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Online tributes may be submitted to www.eastfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Funeral Home.
September 5, 2017
Fred Mooney
Coach came to Jonesboro my senior year, 1966-67. Even though I didn't play football, he was always an inspiration to me & to all the students. He has touched the lives of many boys & girls in his educational career.
September 3, 2017
Lynn Greenwell
Much more than a Coach.
September 2, 2017
Mark Burk
I was fortunate to have Coach as a track coach and a teacher. He was intelligent and enthusiastic in both roles. He was a wise man who instilled confidence in those he met whether a student or athlete. He will be missed.
September 2, 2017
Marc & Lou Anne Emrich
Coach was a special person, and we have always enjoyed so much spending time with him and Mrs. Kerin on the sidelines. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 2, 2017
Prayers for all the family. Great man, great coach.
September 2, 2017
Coach Reed got to Wilson after I graduated in 57, but I was around some after I got out of the Air Force in 62. I could see he was an inspiration to his players and others. Johnny "Sheriff" Rogers.
September 1, 2017
Brent Thomason
Mrs. Reed, Scott & Mark,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Coach Reed, our prayers go out to the Reed family. I had the great opportunity to play football for Coach Reed at Jacksonville High School. The lessons and values I learned have carried over into my life, family and business. Coach Reed was a motivator. He could bring out the best out of anybody, even this young man from Jacksonville, Arkansas. Also, my mother still has fond memories attending the football games and cheering for the team. Thank you Coach, you will be greatly missed by many!
Brent & Dianna Thomason, Dallas, Texas
June Thomason, Elk City, Oklahoma
September 1, 2017
Felicia Cage
Thanks for all your years of service.
September 1, 2017
Tommy Long
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Reed Family. Even though Coach Reed left for Texarkana after my Sophomore year his impact stays with me even today.
September 1, 2017
Shelia Owen
Kerin, Scott and Mark, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Reed Family. We are so sorry for your loss.
September 1, 2017
Friend
David Easley
Coach was a great roll model for young people and led an exemplary life. I was proud to call him my friend.
September 1, 2017
Mark,
Very few of my fondest memories as a teen don't include your father. I can't tell you how heavy my heart is at this moment. Much love and respect for your mom and dad, you, and family. I will remember him for as long as I have the ability to remember.
Prayers,
Autry Meeker
September 1, 2017
Jeff Duvall
Mark,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good man. The thoughts and prayers from my family go out to you and your family.
Take care my brother,
Jeff Duvall and Family
August 31, 2017
E Welch
When we were 13 or so years old, Bill lived down street a couple of blocks. There were enough boys in the neighborhood for us to have almost daily summer baseball games in a nearby park. I was a terrible athlete and even then Bill was trying to help me be a better player. Surely he was born to be what he became.
August 31, 2017
Phyllis Puyear-Jones
Kerin, Scott, Mark, and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bill. He was such a great person. I have so many memories of us putting all the kids in the back of your station wagon and heading to a Friday night game. Bill accomplished a lot during his lifetime, and I know you are so proud of that. Please know that you are all in my thoughts, and I pray for your comfort during your sad time. Love you all, Phyllis Puyear Jones
August 31, 2017
Cindy Woolsey
Scott, Connie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
August 31, 2017
Brian Munsey
Scott and Connie- I am sorry to read of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
August 31, 2017
Sue and Don Smith
We were so blessed to have been neighbors of Bills! He was such a kindhearted person and we so enjoyed hearing stories of the "critters" that he fed out in the woods behind his house!! He will certainly be missed !! Our thoughts and prayers are with Kerin and the family at this time!!
August 31, 2017
Jery ptak
Thank you Coach for making all the players that played for you winners. Not just on the field but off. You had a huge impact on all our lifes and helped make us into the men we are today. I am so glad I had the opportunity to play for you and you will be missed. RIP Jerry Ptak Lindale Tx
August 31, 2017
Roy Shull
To Karin & family I'm so sorry hear about Bill I have fond memory's of when yall lived on Adams street in Wilson & my Mom ( Mildred) baby sit for the boys. With sincere sympathy Roy Hayden Shull
August 31, 2017
Kim Bock Buffington
My thoughts and prayers are with and your family during your times of loss, I will be thinking and praying for you all.
Kim Bock Buffington
August 31, 2017
Gary and Cindy Anzalone
Blessed to have known Coach Bill Reed.
With Deepest Sympathy and Love.
August 31, 2017
Bill Goodson
One of those few great men you remember all your life. .
August 30, 2017
Student
Jed Jackson
God speed my old coach and friend.
August 30, 2017
Stephanie Henderson
Coach Reed was an extraordinary man. He pushed me to be my best in track. He truly will be missed. Stephanie Hankins-Freeman
August 30, 2017
Homer and Margaret Mantooth
My prayers are with Karen, Scott, and Mark. Rocky, Homer, and I loved the winning season of 1976-1977. As a parent I suffered thru a loss but you three had to endure a WEEK of constant pain and suffering. Homer remembers the fun fishing trips he and Bill had. In later retirement years we all enjoyed the time spent together without the pressures of winning for all of us.
August 30, 2017
Friend
Donnie Tennison
Candy & I are praying for all the family. I learned so much in 3 years as an assistant coach for Coach Reed at Texarkana. He & Mrs. Reed were so good to our young family during that time.
August 30, 2017
Sheila Davenport Wilson
I was a cheerleader for Jacksonville Red Devils, but got to know Coach Reed better during a history class on the Presidents. I enjoyed talking with him and respected him as a teacher. My fondest memories was watching him coach the Red Devils to victory. My condolences to Mrs. Reed, Scott, Mark, and their families. Praying for all of you during the sad task of laying your loved one to rest forever.
August 30, 2017
Sheila Davenport Wilson
I was a cheerleader for the Jacksonville Red Devils but got to know Coach Reed more when I took a class on the Presidents. I enjoyed talking with him and liked his since of humor. It was easy to respect him. I will always remember Coach Reed and his dedication to the football team. My condolences to Mrs. Reed, Scott and Mark and their families. My prayers are with you all as you have the task of laying your Husband, Father, and Grandfather to rest forever.
August 30, 2017
Darrell Burris
I owe so much to Coach Reed. As one of his athletes in Jonesboro, he believed in me. His spirit and strength have been with me EVERY day of my 40 year coaching career. The example he set, inspired me to want to be more. Ms. Reed, Scott, Mark, and all the Reed family are a living testimony to all that he believed in. He had the "Look of Eagles," and I pray that his spirit will never leave me.
August 30, 2017
Dale & Joyce Fulmer
Our prayers are with you and all of your wonderful family.
August 30, 2017
Pat Massey
What a Blessing to have played for Coach and even more to have been coached (mentored) by him as I have spent over 30 years in the football coaching fraternity. He was one of the two most knowledgeable coaches I have ever learned from. What a joy it was in recent years to visit with him often and continue to pick his brain. One of my fondest memories was when I was coaching in Jackson, TN. I was head coach in a school that was poor when it came to professional development for coaches. Coach was coordinating for Scott at Bartlett, TN. I called him up and told him I was taking a personal day to come learn the 27 front. When I got there, he shared that he couldn't remember a lot about the 27 but said let me introduce to what I am doing now, the "Two Level". In an effort to shorten this, I will say that I learned more in 7 hours that day than I ever did in an all week clinic. He liked to keep that white board spotless didn't he Scott? He made me a better coach and a better person. He modeled what a husband and father should be. All men leave their mark but Coach left a legacy and I am so proud to be apart of his tree. I pray God's peace and comfort for Mrs. Reed, Scott, Mark and your entire family. Take joy in the great life he lived and the many, many, many lives he impacted. I loved Coach and thank God for him in my life.
August 30, 2017
Student
Larry Hollingsworth
May God bless the Reed family during this difficult time. When I reflect back on my life and think of those who influenced me the most, Coach Reed has to be on that shortlist. He not only taught me and my family about the game of football, but he taught me life lessons that helped shape me as a man. Coach Reed represented character, integrity and commitment and always seem to know what "right" looked like. Beyond my own father, Coach Reed was the best role model I had as a young man. Thanks Coach! His legacy will live on forever.
August 30, 2017
Margaret and Homer Mantooth
Prayers for Karen, Scott, and Mark. Always thought about you after a loss. As parents we hated it but you had to live a week with it at home. A winner we were in 1976 and I enjoyed every minute with Rocky. Homer says remembering all fishing trips together. Enjoyed later life visits. No pressure, just pleasurable. Homer and Margaret Mantooth
August 30, 2017
Tyler Harrison
Such a great man! Look up the word motivation and you will see a picture of Coach Dad
Coaching God's team now. Praying for the family in this tough time.
August 30, 2017
Eric Mcmillian
Coach Reed was my coach at James Bowie (Simms ,Tx). I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers with your family . Coach Reed was a great man and teacher in life and it was a honor to have the opportunity to being taught and coached by him .
August 30, 2017
Student
Clifford Phillips
I echo all of my friends in Jonesboro, Coach Reed was the best coach I ever had in school. He was my track coach at JHS, and I always wish I had an opportunity to tell him the impact he had on my life. Prayers for your family.
August 30, 2017
Debbie McDermott
So sorry for your lose of your husband, father, and grandfather. Coach Reed, was my brother's coach. Jerry Keister. I was a cheerleader for his awesome Red Devils in Jacksonville, AR. My prayers are with the family and the many lives he touched. God bless and be with each of you. Debbie McDermott
August 30, 2017
Prayers for peace and comfort throughout the coming days. So glad Kerry and Kenny had an opportunity to come under his guidance as teenagers. Many in Jacksonville were blessed by the Reed family during the years he coached in Red Devil land!
August 30, 2017
William "Bill" Brown
Coach Reed was an amazing man. He made champions of young men, both on AND off the field!! I am 54 and I still recall life lessons he taught me in high school that have shaped the man I am to this day. Thank you Coach, for making the most out of your intellect, personality, and talents, and sharing them with us!
August 30, 2017
Al Poston
so sorry to see this.....he was coach at Jonesboro High while I was the band director......we had great times together.....Bill was a great coach but more than that he was a true gentleman and a friend ......he touched so many lives , all in a positive way.....prayers for the family
August 30, 2017
Joe and Karen Perkins
Always loved visiting with Mr Reed and looked forward to him bringing us the best tomatoes ever!!! He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We had great talks in our yards going back and forth across the street. He will definitely be missed.
August 30, 2017
George/Mary Ann McCrary
Sorry to hear of Billl's death , I really enjoyed working the football games with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. May God give you all the strength, comfort, guidance and peace needed during this very difficult, sad time. Many prayers for the days and months ahead.
In Christian Love,
Doc and Mary Ann McCrary,
Fayetteville, AR
August 30, 2017
David & Carla Garner
The Reed Family is in our Prayers.
August 30, 2017
Dick Dameron
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. We always enjoyed seeing you at athletic events. God bless you all. Dick and Gail Dameron
August 29, 2017
What a great coach and winner in life. I will always have fond memories growing up in Jacksonville and the excitement in sharing in many football victories. I know coach Reed is one of the reasons I love football today. I pray for God's strength, peace and comfort for all his family. May God sustain you all in the days ahead. Rest in peace coach!
August 29, 2017
Gary Wilson
He always was a very fine coach. Coach Reed was extremely aware of what was going on inside the player.
August 29, 2017
Frank Seaton
Thoughts and prayers with your family, he was a great coach and a great teacher when he was at Jonesboro High School.
August 29, 2017
Military
Greg Kitterman
Great man, great coach, great dad.
August 29, 2017
Roger Rhea
Thanks Coach, you helped shape me into the person I am today. Lot of hard work with your guidance on the practice field and games at Jonesboro High 1970-1972.
Roger Rhea (Jonesboro, Ar.)
August 29, 2017
Lisa Voyles
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. He will always be in my great memories of growing up in Jacksonville.
August 29, 2017
Phyllis Brown Edwards
Coach Reed was my history teacher in 1970. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. I'm so sorry for your loss. He influenced a lot of students in his time.
August 29, 2017
Darrell Burris
My prayer are with the Reed family. I loved Coach Reed like a father. I feel his influence everyday.
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