Ronald Earl Reed

Ronald Earl Reed January 16, 1945 – July 25, 2024 “Attitude and Effort” This is one simple statement that Coach Ron Reed embodied, lived by, and passed on to so many throughout his 79 years of life. Coach Reed’s attitude and effort was apparent every day of this life through the relationships he developed, nurtured, and cherished. Relationships with his family and friends. Relationships with players, coaches, and former students. And most importantly, a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Ron passed away at UK Kings Daughters Medical Center. After graduating from Raceland High School, Ron went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Morehead State University where he was also a Graduate Assistant Basketball Coach. This was the first of his many basketball coaching positions. Coach Ron Reed’s career started at McKell High School. He was the head coach of many area basketball teams including, but not limited to, Anderson County High School, Raceland High School, and Russell High School. Throughout the years, he was Assistant Basketball Coach at The University of Mississippi where he was part of the first ever SEC Championship in the history of the school. He was also Head Coach at his beloved Milligan College, Ohio Southern University, and Kentucky Christian University where he retired from coaching. Ron was also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on both the state and national level. Ron Reed was an avid runner, fan of all sports (especially baseball), lover of the sun, and exceptional storyteller. For the last eight years of his life, he was devoted to his book of memoirs. When not working on his book, Ron would been seen at any and all of his three grandchildren’s sporting events where he was known and loved simply as “Coachie” by all. Ron is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Reed, and his grandmother, Neva Richards. Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Lewis Reed; a daughter, Joan-Michael Leadingham (John); a daughter, Holly Stone (Keith); a brother Bill Reed (Cathy); and his grandchildren, Cooper Leadingham, Ann Reed Stone, and Mary Katherine Stone. Visitation will be held Tuesday July 30, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Fairview Baptist Church where Ron was a faithful member. The Funeral will begin at 1:00 pm immediately follow the visitation at the Church with Pastor Michael York officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Russell High School FCA Ron Reed Memorial Scholarship Fund, checks made payable to Russell High School 709 Red Devil Lane Russell, KY 41169. Arrangements are under the direction of Music Family Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be offered at www.mfhfuneralhome.com.

Ronald Earl Reed

January 16, 1945 - July 25, 2024