Sportswriter, Three-Time Eclipse Winner Reed Dies at 79

Billy Reed, a well-known, accomplished sportswriter in Kentucky and a three-time Eclipse Award-winning turf writer, died Feb. 5 in Louisville, Ky. He was 79.

He served as president of the National Turf Writers Association (now the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters) from 1988-90. His three Eclipse Awards came when writing for the Louisville Courier-Journal (1979), Lexington Herald-Leader (1988), and Thoroughbred Times (2008), according to a release from the NTWAB.

Reed was a member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame, Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame, Transylvania University (his alma mater) Hall of Fame, and U. S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame. He received eight awards as Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year.

A native of Mount Sterling, Reed engaged professionally in sports coverage for over 60 years after starting his career at the Herald-Leader in 1959. He also worked two stints at Sports Illustrated and topped off his career at the Northern Kentucky Tribune, where he wrote a weekly column.

Reed is survived by two daughters, Susan and Amy; a son-in-law, and four grandchildren. There will be no funeral service.

According to the Tribune, his family said a celebration of his life will be held, perhaps close to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), a race Reed loved.

The Tribune noted that Reed had been battling liver disease and had been in and out of the hospital after several falls as he dealt with problems related to his balance.