Billy Reagan was an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to making significant contributions to public education. I had the privilege of meeting him 50 years ago when he hired me as a Reading/Language Arts specialist. Over the years, as my interest in computer technology grew, Billy shared my fascination and together we explored ways to utilize this tool to enhance education for both children and adults. We believed that we could change the world, and we tirelessly worked towards this goal in schools, colleges, prisons, and governmental agencies.

As his business partner and friend, I was in awe of Billy's resilience and tenacity. He possessed a rare combination of creativity, charisma, and forward-thinking capacity.  His ability to bring people together through the art of storytelling was truly remarkable, and he inspired us to achieve what seemed impossible.

As we gather to mourn his loss, I am reminded of one of Billy's greatest gifts to all who knew him. He internalized the wisdom of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, who once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Billy, you made us feel as though we could accomplish anything. Although you are no longer physically with us, I am certain that you will never be forgotten.

To Billy's family, Bo and I offer our deepest condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and I hope you find solace in knowing that Billy's impact on the world of education will continue to be felt for generations to come. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration during this difficult time.

My condolences. He was the one that convinced me to go to school to become a teacher when he visited the school at which I was a teacher assistant in 1979.  He gave me the info to get into school.  I finished my degree four years later, became a teacher, taught for 30 years and retired in 2013. It was the best decision that I ever made. I still work part-time as an intervention teacher and I love it.

Sailor, may you have fair winds and a following sea.

Thanks for being a servant-leader to generations of Houston children.

—Howard Lindsay

Dr. Billy Reagan will be missed by those who knew him, were led to teach by him, were taught by him, and benefitted from his progressive leadership in education through the IB, Magnet Schools, Lexile analysis, and much more. Amongst Houston 's and Texas' good and great educators , Billy's image is prominently large and colored in vivid hues.
I will miss Houston ISD's Superintendent!
Larry Watts

In Memory of Dr. Billy Reece Reagan

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
(John 11:25-26)

WHEREAS, it has been the will of Almighty God to call to his heavenly home Dr. Billy Reece Reagan, a beloved father, grandfather, educator and statesman, who was dedicated to improving education by fostering mutual respect between parents and staff and implementing vital programs in the Houston Independent School District. He worked in many capacities in the field of education, from classroom teacher to Superintendent of the largest school district in Texas.

Dr. Reagan was an honorable gentleman who lived an honorable life.  He created a legacy of excellence that will endure, and he will be long remembered with distinction by his colleagues in education.     

Warner D. Ervin and the entire former South Regional family of the Houston Independent School District extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Reagan family.  We pray that the Lord will sustain you and give you peace.  May your loved one enjoy his eternal rest and the rewards he earned on his earthly journey, and may you feel some measure of comfort in the knowledge that we share in your grief at the loss of this outstanding man.

May Almighty God, the joy and salvation of life, keep you, and His everlasting peace guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
 
BE IT RESOLVED that this resolution be entered into the record.

Humbly submitted,
Warner D. Ervin, Retired
South Regional Superintendent &
The Former South Regional Family
Houston Independent School District

My husband, 92 yr old mom and I attended 5 pm mass at St Vincent De Paul Church. Usually, we sat behind Billy and he always smiled especially during the peace greeting. We offered him a ride back home and invited him to join us for dinner after mass. He shared his love for God, family, his country and the education of children. My mom was a retired teacher and military widow, so they had exchanged stories. He was a beautiful person and will be missed. Billy is resting in God’s eternal love and peace. Sending our Deepest sympathy to the family.

Dr. Billy R. Reagan often quoted the lyrics from a Carpenter song:

"Bless the beasts and the children for in this world they have no voice they have no choice"

It was this devotion to children that was the cornerstone of his professional life. 

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

Billy was my dear friend who fought the the good fight and kept the faith in public education. He was a remarkable man and tremendous advocate for teachers and students

My name is Delores Hall. I am a retired teacher, and Dr.Reagen and I belonged to Houston Area of Retired Teachers.I found him to be a very nice gentleman, and always dedicated to literacy for young people. Please accept my sincerest condolences .

Dr. Reagan signed my 1975 diploma and I got to meet him later in life through a business associate and friend. What a great meeting over Chinese food and related discussions. Even then, later in life, he called me one of his students! Wow!

All of our condolences to family and close friends. It is a loss for the education community especially.

On behalf of our retired teachers' organization, HART, we would like to express our deepest sympathy for such a loss to each of us.
Many of us educators were blessed to serve in various positions under his leadership!  

We are grateful and proud Public School Educators!

God bless your soul, Dr. Reagan!

I told your amazing father that I wanted to be just like him...a champion until my work is done on this earth. His passionate focus on what is best for children, determination to press on, and loving support of educators lives on in me. I remember a particularly difficult day when I was serving as an assistant superintendent in HISD. He read my discouragement like a book somehow. Billy took me aside, placed his hands on my shoulders, looked me dead in the eyes and stated emphatically, "You are doing great work, and you are doing God's work." Those words helped me take a deep breath, regroup, and refocus. Billy was truly a servant leader of the people. May his reward be great, and his legacy continue in those he poured his life into tirelessly. 

To the Family of Billy Reagan,

I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Reagan.  His dedication and impact on education in Texas, along with the countless students whose lives he touched, will be remembered and cherished for generations.  May his legacy continue to inspire, and his contributions be recognized as a true testament of his devotion to the power of education.  As a young superintendent, I can remember attending Dr. Reagan's presentations at conferences and how he was always ready to talk to whomever sought his advice, both young and old.  Even in retirement his impact on his profession was far-reaching.  He will be missed but remembered as someone who truly practiced what he preached.   I am a better educator and person from knowing Billy Reagan.  May his soul rest in peace.  
Leonard Merrell

I was the education reporter for the Houston Post in the early 80s. Fun, exasperating, exhilarating and always rewarding. At one point Billy gave me a pool ball he had on his desk. It’s still on mine as a reminder to always try to do my best. Rest in peace Billy. , 

Reecia and Marilyn,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of  your dad.  I worked with him back in the 70's and 80's and we kept up all these years later.  During my last conversation with him, you had just moved in to help him out Reecia.  I know he took comfort in that.  Alot of our conversations during the past fifteen  years or so centered on you and your children.  He was proud of you.  He was also still concerned about the state of the educational system.   I hope he can rest in peace, knowing that his life was well lived and his works appreciated.  I am sorry I can not attend the memorial service as I will be out of town, but please call me if I can be of any assistance to you.  Billy was the best "boss" I ever had and was a good friend as well.  

Billy was larger than life and has given so much to education and those who knew him.  I have so many memories from my time working with Billy as Superintendent at HISD .  Billy expected a lot of those who worked with him but also gave opportunities for fun and laughter.  

We send our deepest condolences to Reecia and Marilyn, all of the family, and all those who loved Billy.  Sending thoughts and lifting up prayers.  
David and Maureen Singleton 

I had the pleasure and honor working as a Teacher and Coach in HISD under Dr. Billy Reagan. He visited me and my football team at Hog Junior High in 1976. Stood on the field watching us for a while and called me over and said you are doing a great job, keep up the good work and send all of your stars to Reagan High. That started a lifetime association with a great man! However, I took a few of the stars with me to Welch Junior High and on to Madison Sr. High. I will miss Billy very much and pray that his family will remember all the good times and may his memory be a blessing to each and everyone of you. 
Coach Alford Bleeker

OBITUARY

Dr. Billy Reece Reagan

November 24, 1930 – June 11, 2023

American Heritage Funeral Home

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