Trucking Loses a Legend – Bill Reed Jr.
Trucking lost a legend this week when Bill Reed, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at 71. Bill was the CEO of the family trucking business, Skyline Transportation and had a significant impact on the trucking industry. He was an influential member of many industry organizations, including the Truckload Carriers Association. He was a member of TCA’s Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, the Carrier/Shipper Relations Committee, Highway Policy Committee, Independent Contractor Practices Policy Committee and the Regulatory Policy Committee. Bill was also the former Chairman of the Board and a Board Member for the Tennessee Trucking Association, as well as a Board Member and Executive Committee Member for the American Trucking Associations.
Our thoughts and prayers our with the Reed Family during the difficult time. The industry will miss his leadership, personality and that distinctive voice.
Quoting from this obituary:
William Hubert Reed, Jr. was 71 when he passed away suddenly on December 18th at his home in Farragut, TN. He was a graduate of Young High School and the University of Tennessee. Mr. Reed was known as a great father who always supported his family first, no matter what.
“Big Bill” (as he was affectionately known as) loved to spend time with his family and friends, attending as many of his grandkids functions as he could. Golf, travelling in his motorhome and attending UT football and basketball games were among his favorite things to do. Above all, Bill was known to raise the level of happiness and joy in all who knew him.
The Family has planned a service to celebrate Bill’s life at 2:00pm on January 5, 2019, with a reception and toast to Big Bill to follow. The location for the service is still being arranged.
Bison Transport CEO and former TCA Chair, Robert Penner on the passing of Bill Reed Jr.:
“The trucking community lost a true advocate, a genuine leader and an all around good man. I have always appreciated Bill’s style and approach to problem solving. He was solution focused and always looked for a win-win solution… never at the expense of the other side. I have learned a lot from Big Bill. He will truly be missed.”