I was unaware that "Rip" passed away until I ran into his son, and my long-time friend, Steve during a Mid-South Marching Festival. Rip was a huge inspiration in my life both musically and morally.  In 1969 he chose me as a high school trumpet player to join the Dixie American Band and travel to Europe.  I would have never had the experience if it hadn't been for Rip Reagan! He is missed immensely!


Steve, May this lighted candle remind you of the light your father brought to so many.  He was the motivator among motivators, the cheerleader, the encourager to all his students. He was a mentor and the best role model GSCC ever had on campus. He held you, his son, in high esteem in the public.  I am a better person and so are my children from having known Rip Reagan. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Steve & Kristi, My thoughts & prayers are with you. Your Father was such a wonderful person. I was a member of the Dixie Americans twice & have such fond memories of those trips & your Father.

What an extraordinary man!  I knew that when we were in High School.  I was fortunate to have known him and Gloria.

"Blessed are they that mourn---for they shall be comforted " My prayer is  that this sweet promise will help you thru these sad days.
Rip and I were class and band mates,in `47 and re-newed our friendship many times thru the years.
He was as equally proud of my accomplishments ,as I was his.
Health issues prevented me from attending the celebration,but I wanted to extend my sympathy. In time , the sadness if him being gone, will be replaced with happy memoriesd AND WE SURE HAVE A LOT OF Those !!!!!!
                                                            Peggy Elder Butler

REST IN PEACE BILLY "RIP" REAGAN...PEACE BE WITH YOUR FAMILY! I KNOW YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED DIRECTING YOUR "BAND OF ANGELS"! YOE WILL BE TRULY MISSED!

DeLeath Rives and Wayne Washam were 2 students of Rip Reagan at Albertville High School in the year 1952-53 the year before he came to Emma Sansom HS. We were the 2 who became Band Directors because of his influence. I speak for both of us in saying that Loved and respected him like a Father. Sincerely, DeLeath Rives, former Band Director at LaFayette, Cordova, Jackonville, Gadsden High, and later started the Band at Gaston High School.

Mr. Reagan was my teacher of music at Gadsden State Community College in 1988/1989.  I enjoyed his teaching and I know he touched so many people's lives.  I am praying for all of his family and friends through this difficult time.

Goodbye Rip. You were a mentor to hundreds of kids,me included. You will be missed.

I am just one of thousands that love and respect Mr. Rip Reagan. I was in his first band at Emma Sansom and because of his encouragement I actually went to All State band and when it came time to further my education he was the one that helped me with a scholarship in music to Jacksonville State. Thank you so much Rip for believing in me and so many other through the years. You were one  in a million to us and will be remembered as long as there is one student still alive that you taught, mentored, and helped.

Steve and Kristy,
Your dad helped so many people as principal at Emma Sansom. My memories go back to him leading the choir at Bellevue Methodist. He will be missed.

My prayers and thoughts go out to Kristi and Steve. I remember all the great times I had as a member of the Rebel Band--it was truely the best times of high school. Having Rip as a band director and as a principal was an honor. I will always remember our coming out of the WAD during our half time shows as well as all the band competitions I was part of. God Bless both of you and know your Dad will be sorely missed. Gary Coley

It was my privilege to have Mr. Reagan as my band director and principal at Emma Sansom High. And, he was a good friend of my dad, Harold Roper. I remember him on "the tower" yelling at the band and throwing his shoe at Stevie who was playing bass drum. Those were the greatest of times and how I wish I could hear him yell at me again. I have always liked, admired and respected Mr. Reagan and will truly miss him. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and I know we will all be together again making music in Heaven.

You will be missed Mr. Reagan, but you will never be forgotten.  You gave your band students hope and pride and dedication!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Steve and Kristy please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for teaching us that hard work and dedication can build championships. You were simply "the best". EMHS Band Class of 1964.
Margaret (Gray) Oliver

Condolences to Steve, Kristy and family. Rip was a friend for more than 55 years.  Always nice, a real gentleman.  A true music man.  He did many great things for people in this community. He will be missed, but never forgotten.  Jam session Friday night included more stories about Rip from over the years than from the pickers' music.  Jimmy S.

To RIP'S FAMILY: GOD BLESS TOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS. It was truly an honor to know RIP! He was very instrumental in Brian's music career, and so many others, all these years! He is/was an ICON in this state, and all over the USA! I can imagine him directing a "BAND of ANGELS" in his heavenly home. We love you all and RIP will be missed!

Prayers for the family of Rip Reagan! What a great man in our band world!

Kristy,Steve and Family...Your Dad was principal at Emma Sansom High School during my first year to teach-1971. It was a difficult time in the school system but Rip always took tenacious care of his staff and treated all the students fairly.I always felt very safe which enabled me to do my job. His love and dedication to helping young people with his music has spread throughout our country and beyond.He will live on through the lives of others. God bless...

A great man and teacher who will be missed by many. RIP Mr. Reagan. ESHS Rebel Band class of 66.

You were my Band Director and My Friend.
H. M.  Carnes

He was a great leader and a good person.I had the privledge to know him. Class of 1961 EmmaSansom High School

I loved being in show band. Mr.Reagan taught me how to play the baritone sax. At 5'2 that was quite a sight to see. Mr. Reagan will be truely missed.

The good Lord only made one "RIP"  Bless you Steve and Kristy, I learned so very much from him, and was honored to have competed with Him at "The Greatest Band" in New Orleans   Rest in peace Rip, your legacy will live on for decades. Thanks for all the great shows and the innovative things you gave us............God Bless, Frank & Susan Butenschon
                                                              Valdosta, Ga.

To all the family, we knew Rip for over 60years. A fine man, God Bless.. linda and pat barron

Steve and Kristy: There are no words to express the sadness this day brings. Somehow I guess I thought Rip was such a super-human man he would find a way to defy the fate all of us face. I wrote a letter to him a few years ago to try to tell him just how much knowing and learning from him the lessons of both music and life had shaped my destiny. I believe that each of us crosses paths during our lifetimes with a handful of people who send us in directions we never would have gone otherwise. Rip did that for me, and I know he did it for many others as well. Please know that your sorrow is shared by thousands all over this nation. Please accept my sincere condolences.

There are only sweet memories I share with the Emma Sansom High School Band members who admired Mr. Reagan and benifited under his guidance and direction.

Steve and Kristy,
  You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many memories of Rip as: choir director at Al City Methodist, band director and principal.  My funniest memory is when he and Daddy were in the "Womanless Wedding" at church.  He touched so many lives. Cherish all your memories.

OBITUARY

Billy "Rip" Reagan

December 22, 1929 – October 17, 2014

Collier-Butler Funeral Home

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