Jerry Reed, R.I.P.

Best known as Cledus, or "The Snowman" in Smokey and the Bandit - driving the semi full of Coors along with his Basset Hound Fred, Jerry Reed passed away yesterday at the age of 71.

Jerry Reed was best known for his music - such songs as "Amos Moses", "When You're Hot, You're Hot", "She Got The Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)", and of course the theme of the movie, "Eastbound and Down".

He also wrote "U.S. Mail" for Elvis, along as songs for such a diverse group as Johnny Cash, Dean Martin, The Oak Ridge Boys and Nat King Cole.

His music always put a smile on my face, and although he's gone, as long as I have his "Greatest Hits" CD, I can remember him fondly and always.