Gadsden State Community College Show Band Director Billy E. "Rip" Reagan has been called a legend throughout the community for his big heart, knowledge of music, abundance of honesty; but, mostly for his desire to educate and entertain. He was introduced to music early in life with his dad being known as a leader of music and serving as President of the Etowah County Singing Convention. Reagan's career as a band director long predated his association with Gadsden State. He served as music director for High Schools in Crossville, Ala; Corinth, Ms; Albertville, Ala; and Emma Sansom in Gadsden. It was during his 25 years at Emma Sansom (where he also served as principal for five years) that the school's Rebel Concert Band helped earn Gadsden the nickname "City of Champions." This band won the National Veterans of Foreign Wars Championship three times, from 1957 to 1959, competing in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. The Rebel Concert Band also won the Greatest Band in Dixie competition in New Orleans in 1963, 1965 and 1967. Reagan took over as full-time band director and music instructor at Gadsden State in 1986, retiring a decade later. But he stayed on to direct the band part-time until February of this year as the principal music arranger for the group that performs for college functions, community events and recruiting shows. He was instrumental in the creation of the popular band, the Kings of Swing. Reagan often helped out friends and colleagues, such as paying for a new floor for the school's photo lab out of his own pocket. As Gadsden State's Show Band Director, he was inducted into the 2012 Alabama Music Educators Hall of Fame on January 20 during a ceremony at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in Montgomery. His many years as a music educator have made him a legend throughout the South, and his influence is known internationally. Many of his students have become music educators and/or perform professionally. Reagan shared his music abilities and talent internationally by conducting the Dixie American Youth Band from 1969 to 1970. This goodwill musical tour took students from seven Southern states to Europe to entertain audiences at schools and public events. He’s also known for his music judging abilities in Europe as well as through- out the United States. This musician and educator left a mark on the minds and young lives of his students, and his City, which he helped 'put on the map'.

Partial Obituary:
Billy E "Rip" Reagan attended University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Ward Reagan; sister, Gerry Miller; parents, Rosa (Stephens) and Osmond Patrick Reagan; brother, O.P., Jr "Junior" Reagan. Survivor: children, Kristy Mason, Steve Reagan; grandchildren; extended family. Honorary pallbearers include the Gadsden City Show Band and all alumni of Gadsden State Show Band. Visitation, Collier-Butler Funeral Home; funeral, Gadsden City High School auditorium; graveside, Forrest Cemetery.

Collier Butler FH
The Gadsden Times 10.18.2014
[bio by dhbღ]