Ronald Ray Reed

Apr 8th, 1945 - Apr 11th, 2020

Ronald Ray Reed, 75, Cooksey’s Bait Shop chief teller of tall tales, told his last fish story on April 11, 2020 at 4:23 pm. 

Ronnie is known from Chicago to Cape Girardeau as the owner of Cooksey’s Bait Shop, a “gathering place for hunters, fishermen, and other liars.”  Though he seemed a man of gruff exterior and disposition, those who invested the time to know him found a soft-hearted, generous man willing to give the shirt off his back.  

For the last 42 years, he and his surviving wife, Carol, ran a business that became legendary in Southern Illinois and a home to those needing escape to a simpler time where good stories were heard, huge fish were seen and life momentarily forgotten.     

To hear Ronnie talk, fish were ALWAYS biting, a dozen equals 15 - 24, and his minnows were guaranteed: “These minnows are guaranteed to catch a fish or die trying!”  Ronnie had an uncanny ability to remember the names of most everyone he had met. His daily motivation was “Help everyone you possibly can, and to heck with the rest.”  Ron helped A LOT of people. To the core group of loafers that visited the shop each week for decades - Ronnie viewed you like family. You know who you are and are loved and appreciated.

Ronnie is survived by his wife Carol, his son Greg and daughter Sis; also his brother-in-law and sister Herb and Jane Ann McMullen of Arizona.  Ron has 3 surviving grandchildren, 4 surviving nephews, including one locally - Matt Reed, of whom Ronnie often said was like a son to him. He has 6 great-nephews & nieces  

Due to current circumstances, there will be no service at this time.  Donations to help with funeral expenses can be made in lieu of flowers. Please go to gf.me/u/xxfv3p.

Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Share a memory, message, or condolence

*

*

8 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Darryl Kern

    From: Carterville, Illinois

    Date: April 16, 2020

    A sad farewell to the incomparable man that made “Cooksey’s”a local institution. Ron will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

  • Guest: Steve Daron

    From: Carterville, Illinois

    Date: April 16, 2020

    Carol and family, I will always remember Ron telling me about his minnow guarantee and he always told me I hunted in the wrong county for turkeys. He was a true man and will b missed by many.

  • Guest: Tom Dawe

    From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

    Date: April 16, 2020

    Ron was a good friend to me and a great friend to my brother Jim

  • Guest: Kathy Halstead

    From: Carterville, Illinois

    Date: April 17, 2020

    Jim “Skin” and Ron go back many, many years . They had such a good time giving each other a hard time. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Prayers and condolences to Carol and family.

  • Guest: Chris Bickers

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: April 17, 2020

    I will always remember Ron’s kind greetings whenever I entered Cooksey’s Bait Shop. When I needed live bait, jigs, or trailer parts, Ron could always take care of me. I also appreciated his candid and mostly supportive opinions of my programs and regulation changes as a fisheries biologist. Ron was a southern Illinois celebrity, known and loved by all who enjoyed the outdoors. I think the sign that used to Grace his front yard stating “The Bull Starts Here” speaks for itself. Rest in peace Ron. I will miss you and Southern Illinois won’t be the same without you!!

  • Guest: David Hesterberg

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: April 17, 2020

    Ron’s first words to me when I entered his shop were “where are you going today”. For 35+ years he gave me more minnows and crickets than I paid for! His generosity was unmatched anywhere, and his open fishing advise was accurate. If you sat down for awhile you got to know him better. I am not sure how to describe it, but it feels like So IL lost something sacred. He created a legend and I can’t imagine Rt 148 without him. You will be missed by all fishermen and especially me! Hope you find some turkeys in heaven!

  • Guest: Bruce Tisch

    From: Johnston City, Illinois

    Date: April 19, 2020

    I knew Ron, we called him “Dog”, when he lived on Newton St. in Johnston City. I had lost touch with him over the years, but I will always remember how friendly and unassuming he was. Godspeed old friend.

  • Guest: Kevin Reed

    From: HARRISBURG, Illinois

    Date: April 22, 2020

    Ronnie’s dad and my dad were brothers and they were very close. They did everything together. They duck and goose hunted and every spring, Dad, Uncle Tobe, Uncle Virgil and Uncle Floyd went to Reelfoot Lake on weekend fishing trips. And I remember Ronnie always went with them. So, even though I miss Ronnie and I’m sad that he’s gone, I’m also happy; because now, the old fishing group is back together again in Heaven.