Terry Reed

Terry Reed, of Hot Springs, a veteran College and high school basketball coach, has passed away after a short illness at the age of 63. Born May 3, 1949 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Reed picked up the game of basketball at an early age, playing in driveways, backyards, and schoolyards all over town. He had a reputation for playing with toughness and determination unique among his peers. Reed was an All-State guard for the Hot Springs High School Trojans and named to Street & Smith's basketball magazine's All-American list. In 1970, Reed led the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers to the championship of the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference, earning both first-team All-Conference honors and named an NAIA All American. Reed graduated with a degree in history and physical education in 1973, and then launched his coaching career as head coach at Cutter Morning Star. He coached varsity basketball programs in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois and Indiana. In his 17 years as a high school coach, Reed compiled a record of 237-157 and earned state-wide Coach of the Year honors four times. His college coaching stops included stints at University of Southern Mississippi, Iowa State University, University of New Orleans, Indiana State University, Henderson State University and Eastern Oklahoma State College. Reed also was a highly-regarded basketball clinician, and served as an offensive consultant to then-coach Tim Floyd at the University of Southern California. After retiring from formal coaching, Reed provided private instruction to a number of young basketball players in Central Arkansas. He has had the privilege of mentoring some talented young men in his lifetime, which brought him enormous pleasure. Reed was preceded in death by his son Neil Reed, brother Wayne Reed, and parents Frank and Melba Reed. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Williams (Zach); daughter-in-law, Kelly Reed; sister Kathy Reed; brother Dan Reed (Janet); sister-in-law, Debbie Reed; his aunt Mrs. Peggy Johnson; and one niece and four nephews. He was the proud grandfather of five beautiful children: Nathalie, Cooper and Naomi Williams and Marley and Presley Reed. He had the good fortune to have made life-long, loyal friends at home and around the country that appreciated his brand of personality and humor. He found great comfort in his beloved hometown, his close family and friends, and the music he enjoyed with them. He will be terribly missed by so many. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Kamo's Kids, Jackson House, Hot Springs Boys and Girls Club, and the Neil Reed Memorial Fund at Pioneer Valley High School in Nipomo, California. A celebration of his life will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home.