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Billy Reed Obituary
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 death Dec. 14, 2011.
He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Michael) Cerutti of Herrin and Gina Reed of West Frankfort; and four grandchildren, Ally Simms, Micaela Cerutti, Madison Cerutti, all of Herrin and Jacob Reed of West Frankfort.
Billy Cole was an entertainer practically his entire life. He began his music career right after high school. One of the first bands he played with was called the Boguards. They played at venues such as West Frankfort and Herrin Teen Towns. He later played with the Blue Shadows, which was a rhythm-and-blues band popular in Southern Illinois in the 1960s before forming his own band, Billy Cole Reed and the Outlaws. In the late '70s and early '80s, Billy Cole Reed and the Outlaws dominated country music in Southern Illinois and other parts of the Midwest. He mesmerized large audiences with powerful renditions of Waylon Jennings classics and his flawless Elvis Presley tribute.
In the '80s, he recorded several albums in Nashville such as "Tribute to an Outlaw," "Waltz Across Texas" and "Back to the Fifties" and toured many venues across the Midwest. In 1983, he played live at The Cannery in Nashville, Tenn. He was a huge influence on many musicians in Southern Illinois. He never hesitated to sing at a fundraiser and played at many benefits throughout the area.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Parker Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Burial will be in Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information or to sign the guest register, visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Reed
Terry Burk
October 11, 2017
I 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
Bopper Adkisson
January 31, 2012
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
January 29, 2012
Rest In Peace!
Marilyn Arnett
January 28, 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 Litsch Arnett - Class of '60
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Russell & Debbie Dalby
January 28, 2012
Michelle and Gina -So sorry to hear about Bill. I truly believe he is in heaven with Diane.
January 28, 2012
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....
Deloris Burgess
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
January 28, 2012
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
Suanne Clark-Gromer
January 27, 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 bless you and your family, Mr Reed...
Dennis McClellan
January 27, 2012
Michelle,and Gina your Dad will be missed. He brought a smile to those that knew him . Play on Reed my friend. Dennis McClellan
Linda Cox
January 27, 2012
Gina: I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing and so close to your Moms, you are in my thoughts and prayers, this guest book is a tribute to the legend he was in this area. May you feel Gods love during this difficult time. Linda (from Walts)
mary Ann Planinc
January 27, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss,Billy was a wonderful singer.I loved his song,Waltz Across Texas.He was a very sweet person and very kind to other's.May God be with all of his family.. He will be sadly missed..
January 26, 2012
Kaye I had no idea he was your family - sorry for your loss Joy Kennedy
Michael Vaughan
January 26, 2012
Always a warm smile and a pleasant welcome to me when I came back home. A good man.
Sue Cox and Don Durham
January 26, 2012
So sorry for your loss..Our thoughts and prayers are with Billys family...He will be missed
Kaye McClintock
January 26, 2012
With deepest sympathy to all his family. Billy Cole was loved by many. Praying God will comfort all of you in your loss and bring you peace of mind. Sincerely, Kaye Harkins McClintock.
January 26, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. We rarely missed him when he played in Mt. Vernon. He will be missed.
Jeannine Osborn
Kathy McMurrin
Maxine Lenington
Jack & Martha Galli
January 26, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss, your Dad was a great entertainer, i will always remember his singing.
Penny Lingner
January 25, 2012
Knowing Bill was a pleasure ,he never hesitated to help when help was needed!I will enjoy the memories I have of him.Gina you are in my prayers daily as is your whole family!
Danny & Roda Dennis
January 25, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Billy Cole. He brought many special memories to our life. It was a honor to be his friend. God Bless And Be With You.
Bobby WALLACE
January 25, 2012
Billy a friend forever. will miss you. In my heart always. Bobby Wallace
Janis Rainbolt Young
January 25, 2012
Shelly and Gina, it is so hard to tell you both how I feel. I have so many memories of living next door to you and your mom & dad. I can still hear him singing as I sat on our front porch in the swing. I remember Sampson, and Rowdy and how he used to visit us. The only dog mom would let come in. Your dad plowed up the back field for my parents garden. I sang with him at First Baptist Church. All day long the song, "The Blues Man" has been playing in my mind. He was a good man and will be missed by so many, not just for his talent, but just because of the special man he was. I know this is so very hard on you both, losing both of them so close together. He loved you two, always remember that. He was so proud of you. I pray that God is keeping you close to Him and that He will wrap His arms around you both and comfort you as best He can. I am thankful that I was able to call Bill and your mom, Diane, my friends. My heart goes out to both of you.
E B Goines
January 25, 2012
Sorry we lost Bill. We had a lot of good times. I am a former band member.
Tim "Woots" Wooters
January 25, 2012
My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Billy's family and friends, I played bass for Billy off and on for around 20 years and I know he will be missed by the many who loved him and his music, he was one hell of a singer and entertainer and I am very honored to have made music with him. All I can say is I'll bet Billy is in heaven right now jamming with Richard Ahlm and Rick Schulman in GOD's great band. REST IN PEACE B.C.R.
Marty&Anna Saul
January 25, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
John Bertetti
January 25, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.Bill was a good friend to me and my wife Elaine. God bless you and your families. John Bertetti
Bob Fester
January 25, 2012
God bless you, Bill! Now you can show Elvis how he shouldve done it!
January 25, 2012
I love you Billy...I will miss you dearly
Ann Taylor
January 25, 2012
Sorry for your loss!
John and Patti McFarland
January 25, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jerry Moore
January 25, 2012
Billy Cole and I grew up togther during the days of the Columbia and my Dads Radio Shop on Oak St. I have many fond memories of those days and where I believe Billy started his music career on my old piano. My condolences to the family.
Darlene Khan
January 25, 2012
Our sympathies to Billy Cole's family.
As a former Marion resident, we all followed his career and knew he'd put on a great show, when he performed. So sorry
for both your losses.
January 25, 2012
Michelle and Gina,
Words cannot express how sorry I am that you have lost both parents in such a short period of time...
I started played music with your dad app 1978. I traveled the road with him for years. He was a great guy and I considered him family. He will be missed by me and so many others that have known him and worked with him in the past. Just try to take comfort in the fact the he and your mother are in a better place now....
You two take care.......Terri Pierce
Carol Short
January 25, 2012
Bill we will miss you so. I just know that your up in heaven with Diane & Richard Ahlm. Carol Ann Clark Short
Liz Hastings
January 25, 2012
Michelle and Family ,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and in the future.
Liz Cantrell Hastings
diane appleton
January 25, 2012
billy a good friend, you will be greatly missed..enjoyed singing with you. diane appleton carmi illinois
Lynda Callahan
January 25, 2012
I hate to hear this. He was a sweet man I've known since I was a young child. I remember seeing him at ferris steak house doing his Elvis show. My father and another mutual friend did the tribute at the end of each show. RIP Billy. I'll miss seeing you singing with Tom and even joining in once or twice.
January 25, 2012
Of course Jesus has another voice in the heavenly choir now! Rest in peace and I will see you on the other side.
Donna Sills
January 25, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kim Gaddis
January 25, 2012
Billy,you will be sadly missed!!!You were a Great Entertainer!!!!!My condolences to your family!!!
James Vaughn
January 25, 2012
Billy, I will miss you always, thanks for the back up calls, you taught me alot about the business, and in my eyes you were awesome, an honor to be on stage with. See ya on the other side, "Gator"
January 25, 2012
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHTY TO THE FAMILY OF A HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE.
Cousin Nancy Jones
January 24, 2012
I hold fond memories of the very talented Billy Cole. Listening to his music and celebrating his life back here in Austin! Thinking of you all back in IL.
January 24, 2012
So sorry to hear about your Mother and Dad. My name is Lu Ann Pitchford Bethel and through the years we had mutual cousins Bobby,Jerry Lee, Mike and David. I think Billy Cole considered them his brothers. Again so sorry. Sincerely Lu Ann Pitchford Bethel.
Alisha Brown-Newton
January 24, 2012
Michelle and Gina,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose both parents especially that close together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Alisha Brown-Newton
January 24, 2012
I am old classmate of Billy"s, my prayers are with you and your family.sandie paul gardner barnhill
Linda Archione
January 24, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.
January 24, 2012
I am so sorry Michelle! My prayers are with you and you family. Elaine Warren
January 24, 2012
I am so sorry Michelle! It's tough to lose both parents so close together. My prayers are with you and your family
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