ARLINGTON, Texas - The UT Arlington family is remembering Dr. Bill Reeves, a long-time member of the Maverick family, including serving as the program's Athletic Director from 1975 to 1989. who passed away on Wednesday. 

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lynda and the Bill Reeves family," UTA Director of Athletics Jim Baker said. "Coach Reeves was such an integral part of UTA for many decades. He helped shape countless lives by his steadfast loyalty, character and integrity. His mark will forever be left on UTA Athletics, and I join Mavericks everywhere as we remember a true gentleman."

He began as an UTA assistant basketball coach in 1966 for Head Coach Barry Dowd and then became an administrative assistant to the athletics director in 1971. In 1975, he became the second athletic director in university history, serving in that role for 14 years until 1989. During his time, he made the institution a model program for gender equity in college athletics.

Reeves resigned as athletics director in 1989 but remained on campus to serve as compliance coordinator until 1996. From 1996 to September 2007, Reeves served as senior associate athletics director and compliance coordinator. He was inducted into the Southland Conference Hall of Honor in 2008 for his legendary career in both coaching and serving the Maverick community. 

A former high school All-American, All-District selection and team captain at Plainview HS, Reeves played collegiate basketball at Texas A&M as a freshman in 1958-59, before transferring to then Arlington State College and lettering for three years.

He is a 1962 graduate of Arlington State with a bachelor's degree in history and business administration. Reeves also earned a master's degree from Texas State in 1964 and his Ph.D. from North Texas in 1973. Prior to coming to UTA, Reeves was an assistant coach for two seasons at Buda High school and one at Houston Spring Woods. He was also the head coach at Ennis HS from 1965-66.

He and his wife Lynda have two daughters, Susan and Reci.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wade Funeral Home of Arlington