West Frankfort, Illinois
WEST FRANKFORT -- Billy Cole Reed, 69, passed away at 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at his residence.He was born March 24, 1942, in West Frankfort. He was an only child born to Amos and Juanita (Jones) Reed. He was united in marriage for 48 years to Diana Kay (Howe) Reed, who preceded him in...
Read MoreI knew Bill when we were just 18 back at Mckendree College in Lebanon, Ill. He'd often have Sunday dinner with my family. First saw him perform at a juke joint called Lollies when he just got up and did two songs with the band out there. He was so good. Knew he wouldn't be a dentist. He was a good friend then and one of those special people you never forget. Terry Burk
Terry Burk
October 11, 2017 | New York, NY | Classmate
Hoss---you were the man! You were very good to me. See you and the band on the other side. Hope you hold a spot open for me. Regards to your daughters and God Bless your family. From one of your best comrades in Music. Bon Voyage on that trip to the new land of peace and to the reintroduction of your loved ones and many many friends that you gave it all for. Your friend and one of many pickers who gave it all for you and the cause.- Bopper Adkisson
Bopper Adkisson
January 31, 2012 | Elkins, WV
Rest In Peace!
January 29, 2012
Michelle and Gina, your father was a very talented musician. Years ago I was at a function at the Old King Coal festival and your father entertained with a tirbute to Elvis. He came up to our table, took a silk scarf from his neck and gave it to me. I still have that scarf and think of him whenever I wear it. At our 50th Class Reunion he brought his guitar and had all of us classmates sign it. You have my prayers and deepest sympathy upon losing both your parents in such a short time. -...
Marilyn Arnett
January 28, 2012 | West Frankfort, IL
Michelle and Gina -So sorry to hear about Bill. I truly believe he is in heaven with Diane.
Russell & Debbie Dalby
January 28, 2012 | Mt. Vernon, IL
To Billy & Diane's daughters..I never had the privilege of meeting you but followed your mom & dad to several shows.The first time we saw him was outside performing @ Rend Lake..What a God given voice!!You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your parents. Hold tight to the great memories..God bless you all....
January 28, 2012
Gina, I didn't know you. but i loved to hear your Father sing.I use to follow him and take pictures for him when he did jobs.Would love to give them to you.You are in my prayers Losing one parent is bad enough but both so close is terrible.pray that God will give you the strength,to help you through this time of sorrow
Deloris Burgess
January 28, 2012 | Benton, IL
Michelle and Gina, We are very sorry to hear about the the loss of your father. It is never easy, but I'm sure even more difficult having lost both parents in such a short period of time...Praying for peace, comfort and strength for you and your families.
Mike and Joni (Bernhard) Smith
January 28, 2012
As a kid, my dad took me to see one of his favorite performers ~ "Billy Cole Reed" as Elvis ~ at the Heritage Inn in Marion quite a few times! He was larger than life to me and I was so excited when I knew dad was taking me to see him perform. I remember once, as he was strolling through the audience, singing as Elvis, he wiped the sweat off of his brow with a white scarf then draped it across my shoulder... I just melted, and I fell in love with him at that very moment, lol! May God...
Suanne Clark-Gromer
January 27, 2012 | Jackson, MO