Neil Reed, 36, passed away suddenly Thursday morning, July 26, at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA. He was surrounded by his family and many close friends. Neil will be remembered as a wonderful son and brother, devoted husband, adoring father and faithful friend. Neil was born in Hot Springs, Ark., on November 29, 1975. From the moment he could dribble a basketball, Neil developed a passion for the game. When he graduated from East Jefferson High School in Metairie, LA in 1994 and awarded the honor of McDonald's All-American, he went on to fulfill a dream and played college ball at Indiana University. He was a Hoosier from 1995-1997 and then transferred to Southern Mississippi, where he played basketball and graduated as an Academic All-American, and graduated with a degree in Coaching and Sports Administration. After college, he found his way to Los Angeles, CA in 2001, where he met the love of his life, Kelly. They married in 2004 and had two beautiful daughters. He continued his graduate education at Chapman University and obtained his Master's Degree in the Art of Teaching in 2006. He worked as a teacher and coach at Pioneer Valley High School in Santa Maria, CA, where he was known as a favorite teacher on campus for his deep involvement with the students. Neil was very involved with sports and loved to share his talents and knowledge with others. On any given day off, Neil found be found on the golf course with some of his buddies. Neil was known and will be remembered for his great sense of humor, deep love for his family, his loyalty, and as a friend to all. He is survived by his parents, Terry and Patricia Reed; his wife Kelly and two daughters; sister Michelle Williams and brother-in-law Zach Williams; three nieces and three nephews; grandmother, Alberta Dawes; in-laws Ken and Jan Fischer and Scott and Rebecca Cramer, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Neil's favorite quote, and one he lived by, was from legendary Coach John Wooden: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are." Contributions can be made to The Neil Reed Memorial Scholarship Fund, Panther Valley High School, 675 Panther Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, July 29, in Nipomo, Calif., at 1 p.m.
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I didn't know you but I saw you on TV and you are my hero. I hope all is well with your family.
R. Gilley
November 30, 2018
Wow, I just found out and I am floored. I am a prep school basketball coach and have been around the game for a long time. Always felt like it took a lot of courage to do what Neil did. Very proud of him for standing on the side of truth. Leaves a legacy of leadership and love that the family and friends can be very proud of. Thank you Neil for being a man of integrity.
November 28, 2012
Neil my son. I think I told you often enough how proud I was of you an your sister. You guys were my hero's rescuing me just after Katrina. We had such good times together. We brought out the best in each other. I miss talking to you every day or at least a text. I have part of you just as you wished. My darling I
Will see you again I promise. Get some rest my love. You deserve it. Love Mom
Patricia Reed
September 10, 2012
If anyone would like to help Neil Reed's family (his wife and daughters Marley 6 years old and Presley 4 years old) in the wake of their loss, please visit: www.helpthereedfamily.com
August 23, 2012
Neil was a great teammate and friend. My prayers go out to the entire family.
Jeff Shepherd
August 16, 2012
words cannot express what my heart feels for all of you..love to you all..and may you find peace and comfort in your memories of a life well lived...by such a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and friend..
pam hill
August 10, 2012
we love you patricia - gerard
August 7, 2012
MY THOUHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO THIS FAMILY OF THEIR BELOVED NEIL....SO VERY SORRY.
August 6, 2012
My prayers go out to you & your family..god bless you,
Sincerely,alicia e. Smith ,okc.
Alicia Smith
August 6, 2012
Tragedy
Ednia Carpenter
August 5, 2012
lyndon vayghn
August 4, 2012
I am so Sorry to hear this news about Neil Reed! May God bless the Reed family with the peace that surpasses all understanding! My highschool girlfriend went to East Jeff with Neil. We would talk about how great this guy was all the time! I played against him in highscool twice in the 10 grade, we were 1-1 agsinst them. This guy had the Coldest jump shot I've ever saw in highschool. He lit us up for about 35 to 40!lol, I've seen plenty of great shooters in my playing days. Neil Reed was the best, hands down!!! RIP,and May God bless him with Eternal Life!!!
Chris Holmes
August 2, 2012
My father died july the 9th, and he was a neil read fan at IU. Up in heaven they are talking basketball together. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
July 31, 2012
May the heavenly father grant you and you're family peace and comfort during this time.
Veronica Kinney
July 31, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the enitre Reed family. I am deeply sorry for your loss and may God rest his soul.
Lifelong Indiana Basketball Fan
Jeff Proctor
July 31, 2012
My deepest sympathies in your loss of Neil. Please be assured of God's help in this time of distress (Psalm46:1)and be comforted by the hope He gives us (John11:25)
M Michelle
July 31, 2012
Couch Reed may been strict P.E teacher but he was a fun couch at the end. It is hard to believe that he left. R.I.P and all my prayers and sympathy goes to his family.
July 31, 2012
Dear Kelly, Presley, Marley, Terry, Pat, and Michele........Sometimes there are just NO words to express our feeling for your deep loss....sympathy and prayers for all.
Charles and Joan Gillespie
July 31, 2012
Then the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be, and the spirit itself goes back to God.
Ecclesiastes 12:7
"Most truly I say to you: The hour is coming and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live."
John 5:25
Lorraine Denson
July 31, 2012
Rip
Shirl Wilson
July 31, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
MARVIN & PAULA DEHART-WILLIAMS
July 31, 2012
May Neil rest in peace and God comfort his loved ones. I am an IU fan who love the way Neil played with such passion. A warrior on the court.
Jim R
July 30, 2012
Neil and I were locker partners our freshman year at SSHS (class of '94) and we became good friends during his short time there. I have a few fond memories of goofing off in geography class and skateboarding at his house, but I mostly remember his laugh, smile and his unassuming character. I haven't seen him in 20 years and yet I felt a loss when I heard the news. Terry & Pat, you fostered a character in your son that I admire and will always remember – my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Paul Hinson
July 30, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.
J G
July 30, 2012
His heart reflects so much in the family and friends around him. He is a wonderful man with a great wife and family. He is very missed by all.
Cindi Smith
July 29, 2012
A LIFE CUT DOWN TOO EARLY,BUT GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE OF ALL OUR LIVES. I PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL COMFORT AND KEEP YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE.
A PARENT
July 29, 2012
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss.
~CG~
July 29, 2012
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I remember our trips with Neil and Michelle when we were kids and of course the love of basketball. Love you all. Michelle (Almond) Chenevert & Chad.
Michelle Chenevert
July 29, 2012
Many fond memories about Neil remain with the faculty of East Jefferson High School. So sad, so young.
-J Frere and the EJ Faculty
Jacques Frere
July 29, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Neil. I remember you from EJ and you were a sweet, kind person. Just walking through the halls or at lunch time at school, I can remember your smile and how nice you were to everyone. My prayers to your wife and baby girls.
Melissa Buras Dopp
July 29, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Neil Reed. He died much too young. May he rest in peace.
Maryellen
July 29, 2012
My sympathy to Neil's wife and his two daughters. May you get some comfort from your loving memories, may it ease some of your grief. Sorry for your loss.
Psalms 46:1
Marina
July 29, 2012
To the the family of Neil Reed - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
July 29, 2012
We hold your family in our innermost thoughts and prayers.
Psalms 56:8 says: Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book?
God is aware not only of your suffering, but the emotional impact it will have. God is a refuge and strength and will provide you power beyond what is normal as each day passes.
Gloria Hicks
July 28, 2012
Knew Neil when he played at Bloomington South. Thoughts and Prayers are with you!!
j
July 28, 2012
That took a lot of courage to do what he did, which is a testimony to his character, not allowing any one to push you around and bully you, he saved a lot of players behind him from such horrific instances by standing up, congratulations to you Neil Reed you are an American Hero.
Adriane Harris
July 28, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stewart
July 28, 2012
Neil Reed's legacy will be of a man who touched many lives. Family, friends and his students were blessed to have known such a funny, caring and wonderful man. My deepest sympathy goes out to anyone fortunate enough to have known Coach Reed. He made a difference!
A A
July 28, 2012
I knew Neil from B'ball, always a sincere & happy player who is an ALL-Star in my mind.
Paul Hodges
July 28, 2012
My condolences to the Reed family. I pray that our Heavenly Father provides your family with comfort & strength during this most difficult time. (Romans 15:33) Your family will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Florida
July 28, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss....i am from the class of '92 at South Spencer.....
Kim Buse-O'Bryan
July 28, 2012
To the family and friends of Neil Reed. May God give you the strength and the comfort you will need in the days and the months ahead - Psalms 55:22
B W
July 28, 2012
r.i.p.
madero,s
July 28, 2012
Very Sad..RIP..You will now be with our Lord and Savior..Jesus Christ..
Shorty Koppelman
July 28, 2012
Our Deepest sympathies. Words cannot express our sorrow.
E.T., Allan, Paul and Kent Smith
July 28, 2012
cory gruntorad
July 28, 2012
To the family of Neil Reed:
May God give you strength, comfort and peace during your time of sorrow and grief. Sorry for your loss. Lifting you up in prayer. Psalms 46:1 says:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Know that Neil is now leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus in Heaven.
~~~S., Alabama
July 28, 2012
Neil's passing is such a tragedy and a shock. Even though it has been many years since I last saw him, my memories of Neil have never faded. He was such a funny, caring, and truly special person. To his wife and two little girls, the only thing I can say is that I am truly sorry. To Terry, Pat, and Michele, I cannot imagine your pain of losing a son and brother. Sometimes, saying I'm sorry just doesn't seem to be enough.
With Much Love and Sorrow,
Christina Sandage
South Spencer Class of 1994
July 27, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all of the Reed family. I have the honor of knowing all of you, and attending the wedding of Neil and Kelly. Know that our prayers are going out for God to comfort each of you. May Neil be remembered for the wonderful young man, husband, father and son he was. Nothing else matters. He was a good man and will be missed. I am sure he coached as he wished he had been coached. Blessings. Sharmon Norris, Mesa Arizona (formerly worked with Neil's mom at Iowa State).
Sharmon Norris
July 27, 2012
God bless the entire Reed family. We will keep Neil and all of you in our prayers.
J. G.
July 27, 2012
A great man who stood up for himself when he needed to, and felt compassion for Coach Bob Knight after his firing in 2000. He will be dearly missed by basketball fans, not just in Indiana, but nationwide.
Kelly Eslinger
July 27, 2012
RIP Neil!!! Tony Stephens Class of 1993.
Tony Stephens
July 27, 2012
The Neil Reed
Deepest sympathies to the family.
Remember his playing days at Inidiana playing the Iowa Hawkeye.
BIG HUGS
Linda, Iowa
July 27, 2012
Words cannot express the sorrow and hurt one feels at times like this. We have our Heavenly Father who is called the "Hearer of Prayer" at Psalm 65:2. May He comfort you and strengthen you during this time of pain.
July 27, 2012
prayers to the reed family they lost a great young man neil will be missed by many people but never forgotten! RIP Neil!
mindy hack S.S.H.S
July 27, 2012
thoughts and prayers go out to the reed family. neil will be missed by so many but never forgotten! RIP Neil
mindy hack
July 27, 2012
Such a loss . SSHS class 1986
Kellie Beatty Cooper
July 27, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with the Reed family..R.I.P Neil
Monica Cooper-Lambert S.S.H.S.
July 27, 2012
It is hard to belive that Neil is no longer with us. There are alot of memories of him from Middle School and Freshmen year of high school. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this time.
Angie (Garrett) & Patrick Wallis
July 27, 2012
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.-John 14:18
May God's gentle peace fill your heart
and comfort your ...soul today and in the days to come,
With Deep Sympathy,
L. Green-West P. Bch., FL 33407
July 27, 2012
God bless you and yours. I can't begin to tell you how well I thought you handled THAT situation with such class and dignity. You
set such a fine example that could be followed. Rest in peace.
Harold Cartwright
July 27, 2012
Peace and comfort to Neil's family especially Kelly, Presley and Marley. May God Bless you all.
Michelle Freiderich
July 27, 2012
Alice Gvckian Queen
July 27, 2012
God bless your family may you find comfort in the love of others
Angela Lavoie
July 27, 2012
Great young man and family! So very sorry. Kirk & Dianne Chiles
July 27, 2012
To Mrs. Reed: I would like to offer my condolences to you on the loss of your husband. No words can express the sorrow and pain you must be feeling. Our Heavenly Father knows and gives strength to those who have lost spouses (Psalm 46:1). I hope that you will find comfort in knowing that God cares for you and your children during your grief.
L. T.
July 27, 2012
My condolences go out to Terry, Pat and his enttire family. I remember helping him practice his free throws when he was a kid and his dad was coach of my high school basketball team and he would come to practice after he got out of school.
John Smallwood
July 27, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
July 27, 2012
I am overwhelmed by sorrow. Neil was such a testimony of courage and strength.
Emily Edwards
July 27, 2012
God Bless the family of Neil Reed. I enjoyed watching him play in general, but especially in Reed Green at Southern Miss. I always respected and supported him for the courage to go through what he went through prior to his transferring to Southern Miss.
Derrick I
July 27, 2012
I am terribly shocked and saddened by the loss of this valiant athlete in the prime of his life. My deepest condolences to his wife and girls, to Pat and Terry, to Michelle and Zach, and all who loved him.
Michael Gorman
July 27, 2012
Sorry for your loss, what a courageous and inspiring person he was. Thoughts and prays to the family.
Raleigh Mitchell
July 27, 2012
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