Reginald "Reggie" Coleman

His Life and Legacy

Reginald “Reggie” Coleman was born on September 26, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles William Coleman Sr., originally from Fayette, Missouri, and Thelma Butler Coleman, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 

He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where the foundation was laid for the confident, outgoing, and unforgettable man he would become.

 

Throughout his life, Reggie was known for his charm, deep and self-assured voice, warm smile, and larger-than-life personality. He never met a stranger. With his friendly demeanor and easygoing nature, he had a gift for making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and included.

 

Reggie enjoyed good music, especially the timeless sounds of Motown, jazz fusion, Phil Collins & Spyro Grya to name a few. He was an enthusiastic sports fan who cheered for the Golden State Warriors, the Oakland A’s, the Raiders and the Chicago Red Wings.

 

Reggie had a green thumb and a genuine love of nature. He worked for Color Spot Nurseries as a Commercial Truck Driver and held a Northern California territory delivering plants to various retail stores. He loved Poinsettia plants and frequently used them at the base of his Christmas Trees during the holiday seasons. He took special pride in the beautification and upkeep of his lawn and landscaping. To him, a well-kept yard was more than a chore—it was a source of enjoyment and personal pride.

 

He was an avid fisherman loved casting a fishing line off land or with his lifelong friend Willie Adams (Jr.).  He held a deep appreciation for the outdoors, he enjoyed taking road trips, finding pleasure in both the destination and the journey. 

 

Although he could not hold a tune, you could find him singing along to his favorite old-time songs and the newer hip hop, R&B Songs on the radio. He loved to cut the rug especially when outdoor grilling, another one of his happy spaces. 

 

Bringing people together was one of his greatest joys. Whether it was a cookout, family gathering, or holiday celebration, he was truly in his element when surrounded by good food, laughter, and the people he loved.

 

 Reggie and Margo were especially known for hosting memorable and well-attended gatherings, including their much-anticipated shared birthday celebrations. Their home would be filled with good music, delicious food, laughter, family, and friends—all the things Reggie treasured most.

 

 

 

Reginald married his beloved wife, Margo Coleman, on December 23, 1996. Together, they shared nearly 30 years of marriage and built a life grounded in love, commitment, friendship, and devotion to family. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children—Miranda, Ashley, and Malik—who brought him tremendous love, joy, and pride.

Family and Loved Ones

Reginald was preceded in death by his parents, Charles William Coleman Sr. and Thelma Butler Coleman; his sister, Shirley Givens; and his brothers, Herbert Butler and Charles “Sunny” Coleman Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Margo Coleman, and his children:

 

Toya Adams (Jude Adams), Marcus Coleman, Miranda Freeman (Durrell “Sinn” Freeman), Ashley Reynolds (Paul Reynolds) & Malik Coleman

 

His loving legacy continues through his grandchildren:

Jazzmine Morton, Oshae Rivers, Jade Adams, Jaylynn Adams, Jude D. Adams, Malia Coleman, Zyair Coleman, Athena Coleman, Cayden Reynolds, Gavin Reynolds, Monroe Freeman, and Luna Reynolds.

 

He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren:

Tristan Adams-Morton & Kairo Oshae Rivers.

 

A Life Remembered

Reggie loved to play tabletop games, domino, Backgammon, Spades and Bid Whist player were among his favorites, especially when surrounded by family and friends. Of course, playing with Reggie meant being ready for some friendly competition, smack talking, bold conversation, and plenty of laughter.

His humor also appeared in the little moments that became lasting family memories. If you were walking beside him and the two of you passed on opposite sides of a pole, Reggie would quickly say, “Bread and butter,” making sure nothing—not even a pole—could come between you. It was a small and playful tradition, but it perfectly reflected the warmth, humor, and connection he shared with those he loved.

His family will remember the sound of his deep voice, his welcoming smile, his love of music and history, his beautifully maintained yard, fishing trips, road trips, spirited card and domino games, and the joyful gatherings he helped create. Most of all, they will remember the way he made his presence felt and how he brought people together.

Reginald passed away on August 18, 2026, in Antioch, California, surrounded by loved ones and friends.

Although his physical presence will be deeply missed, his voice, laughter, wisdom, stories, and love will remain with his family. The many memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to live in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

“Bread and butter.” Always connected, never divided.