Morris Walker “Bo” Reid, II

Morris Walker “Bo” Reid, II, a cherished figure in collegiate softball coaching, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at McCall Hospice House, leaving a lasting impact on the softball community.

Born on July 22, 1949, in Greenville, S.C., to the late Morris Walker Reid and Ethrelene Reid (McGuire), Bo spent his formative years in Greenville, surrounded by the love of men’s softball, influenced by his father and grandfather. Graduating proudly from Parker High School, his passion for sports and music shone through as a drummer in the school band, reflecting his dedication and discipline.

Bo’s early exposure to men’s ASA fastpitch softball led him to excel on the mound from 1959 to 1995, leading his team to nine national tournaments and earning recognition as one of the southeast’s top pitchers. Transitioning from player to mentor, Bo began his nearly three-decade coaching career in 1984 as an assistant at Spartanburg Methodist. He honed his skills at Furman University for eleven seasons before joining the University of Georgia for their inaugural season in 1997, where his pitching expertise molded Bulldog pitchers into formidable competitors of the SEC.

In 2001, Bo embraced a new challenge at Mississippi State University, serving as Assistant Coach. His heartfelt dedication and expertise guided pitchers and players, resulting in numerous accolades and victories against top-ranked opponents. As the softball community mourns the loss of an “ole Goat,” “Papa Bear,” “Coach Bo,” Bubba, mentor, and family man, Bo Reid’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the passion he instilled in the sport. Remembered for his laughs, jokes, and bear hugs, he leaves behind cherished memories.

Bo is survived by his children BJ (Jill) Reid and Ryan (Brian) Salta; grandchildren, Walker, Allison, Colton, and Callahan; his sister, Mary Sue Elrod; niece, Samantha (Chad) Collins; nephew, Ricky Elrod; and his uncle, Bobby (Anne) Reid.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, followed by a celebration of Bo Reid’s life at 12:00 p.m. in the Northwest Chapel, where friends, family, former players, and colleagues are invited to gather, honor his memory, and celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. Services will conclude at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a youth association of your choice to advance access to young to players or to McCall’s Hospice House at http://www.hospicehousegc.org/or McCall’s Hospice House of Greenville, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Bo with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.