Alan Reed

Coach" Alan Reed, who always said he had the best job "he taught children to play", died peacefully, surrounded by family, at Rucki Hospice Care Center on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He was a resident of Zephyrhills for 50 years where he was a longtime teacher and coach at Stewart Middle School and Zephyrhills High School. Through the years he coached many sports, but basketball was his true love. He coached basketball at Zephyrhills High four di erent times, with his last run being 2012-2016, culminating in a trip to the State Championship final four tournament in class 5A.
Coach Reed was born in Upland, PA on January 8,1948 and was a graduate of Chichester High School. He joined the US Air Force in 1968 and after basic training he was stationed at MacDill Air Force base. While there, he played basketball with teams from other Air Force bases and nearby colleges. His play caught the eye of coaches at Florida Southern College where he was o ered a scholarship to play basketball while earning his degree in education. Alan enjoyed his college days and stayed in touch with other team members as well as his Theta Chi (OX) brothers.
Alan began teaching in Zephyrhills in 1975 and except for one year in Charlotte, FL, he spent his career here. He coached many sports, both girls and boys and was happy to have had one undefeated team: his 1988-1989 girls 8th grade basketball team. He also was a referee working with Lake Region O cials Association, West Coast O cials Association and West Central O cials Association. When he retired in 2009, he continued to help coach football at Stuart Middle School. He was honored and incredibly surprised to have the basketball court at Zephyrhills High named for him in 2019. Many former students, players, and teachers attended, along with basketball players from his days in the Air Force at MacDill and Florida Southern College.
Alan was pre-deceased by his parents William and Mary Reed, his wife of 42 years, June and his sister Linda Wolf. He is survived by his wife Kaye; son Stephen (Marcy); and grandchildren Helina and Austin. He is also survived by his sisters Sharon Fraber (Ted) and Sandy Baxter; his brothers Glenn (Michelle) Reed and Je Reed; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025, at New Walk Church, 35008 Pure Water Way in Zephyrhills. The visitation will be at 3 pm and the service will begin at 4 pm. Alan will be buried with military honors at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL, on Monday August 18, 2025, at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Zephyrhills High School Athletic Fund.
The family wishes to thank the Progressive Care Dept. at Advent Health Hospital in Zephyrhills for all their medical expertise and care. Also, the nurses and sta at the Rucki Hospice Care Center where Alan was given compassionate care to make him comfortable. The family also wants to thank a special angel named Melissa Joiner. She was there to comfort our family with hugs and conversation on the day Alan passed. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alan, please visit our Tree Store.