Wesley Reed
Long time MSU athletic administrator and football coach passed away in Starkville, MS on September 4, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Winnie Reed. He is survived by his wife and companion, Gloria, four children, sons, Craig (Ava) of Starkville, Brad (Sherri) of Canton, GA, daughters Lynn Berch of Starkville, Tina (Joe) Phillips of Orange Beach, AL and seven grandchildren: Hunter (Jen) Berch, Marlaina Berch, Wesley Reed, Olivia Reed, Lacey (Cole) Gordon, Kristina Berch and Campbell Reed, three sisters Eva Morgan, Lois White and Louise Coggin.
The Amory MS native attended Louisiana College on a football scholarship (1958-1962) and coached in Mississippi schools of Ponotoc, Union and Canton before accepting a football coaching position at Mississippi State University in August 1970.
His fulltime tenure (36 years) working with MSU athletics involved serving with seven presidents (Giles-Keenum), seven head football coaches (Shira-Mullen), six head basketball coaches (Davis-Stansbury), six head baseball coaches (Gregory-Cohen), eight athletic directors (Shira-Strickland), and numerous assistants and administrators before (June 2006) moving to a part time basis as associate athletic director for special projects.
While working at MSU, Coach Reed was recognized at different times for his 36 years involvement with athletics by the All-American Football Foundation, National Football Foundation, College Hall of Fame, Louisiana College Sports Hall of Fame and Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Always known as Coach Reed, he loved and treasured his family, friends, former players and coaches.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be considered in Coach Reed’s honor to the MSU Foundation, Inc. for the George Wesley Reed Endowed Scholarship in Teaching/Coaching. Gifts can be sent to PO Box 6149, Miss State, MS 39762 or online at msufoundation.com
Visitation for family and friends to celebrate this occasion will be held at the Leo Seal M Club on Mississippi State’s campus Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00pm and the memorial service will begin at 2:00pm.
