Sep 15, 1952 - Oct 18, 2022September 15, 1952 - October 18, 2022
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The sunrise of Reginald "Reggie" Randolph Nelson began on September 15, 1952 in Kansas City, MO to the late James Nelson and Betty Woodard and his sunset took place on October 18, 2022. Reggie spent most of his younger years with his paternal grandmother, Savannah "Bubby" Nelson . He had received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended church at an early age.
Reggie began his education in the Kansas City Public School District and graduated from Paseo High School in 1970. Later, he would enroll in Northwest Missouri State University (Majoring in: "Finding a good wife").
Reggie would say that he was just attending the school, but not exactly going to his classes. There he met his "college" sweetheart, Geraldine "Gerri" Lorraine. According to him, his wife had to be great at cooking, good with children, and love people. He recently celebrated 50 golden years with her.
They had four wonderful children: Va Shone (Louis) Hunter, Khadijah (RaShaan) Owens, Ahmad, and Jammal Nelson, all of whom he was very proudo£
In his early adult years, he was employed in the maintenance department at Little Sister of the Poor (1972-1974), and Blue Hill Apartment Complex (1974-1975) and as a clerk at Burns & McDonnell (1976-1999) and Blackwell Sanders (1999-2008). He met many of his closest friends and
long-term acquaintances at work. He was briefly hired by the Census Bureau and would later retire in 2009. At times, Reggie had two jobs to support his family and became the owner of Nelson Janitorial Services. Between
1982-1991, Reggie served in the Army National Guard. He also coached and
joined a couple of baseball/softball teams with some of his best buddies; he even learned to catch a fly ball with his nose.
His friends and family members knew him as a hunter and fisherman. If you could not keep quiet on the line, you would never go out with him again (one family member never received another invite). He enjoyed taking his children camping when they were younger and taught them and his grandchildren, who loved him as Paw Paw Reggie, to fish. Reggie had a love affair with western movies, watching all kinds of cartoons with Taz (his youngest grandbaby), but wanted to take over the world with Pinky and the Brain.
Later in life, Perry Mason was the man he was hanging out with, and you had better bring him his diet coke to be in good standings. He warned his granddaughters to 'never let people interfere with their dreams' and his grandsons to 'not to bring home any girls on broomsticks'.
At Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, MO, he served as a greeter and later as campus watchman after becoming a member and being baptized. Dad took fashion cues from no one and was mainly seen in his t-shirt and joggers, sports apparel, crocs, and at times his Kangol- depending on how the wind blew. If you did not like it, then you could go back home. He despised phonies, "yellow bellies" and fickle-minded people. However, whenever he spoke, it was to impart wisdom and he would get directly to the point. He was a quiet soul, but would drop a four-lettered word in every vocal thought with no harm intended or apologies. He said if you borrowed duckies from him or his wife, then don't worry about paying him back- he will get it from you IF he sees you again.
He had a big heart for those he loved and would help 'most' whenever needed; four cats and a dog (one that he threatened to kick over the home banister) could attest to that.
He loved his older sister Wanda and younger brother Darryl (predeceased), and would be survived by his loving sister, Kelly Broadway and younger sister, Jameice Turner. Aside from his brother and sister-in-laws, who he loved as if they were his own, he leaves behind cousins, a host of nieces and nephews who called him "Uncle Reggie" and many friends.
Finally, in honor of Reggie, the family would like for you to remember his funny quotes and stories; laugh as he did while telling them, but his last advice "we all have to go, you better make sure you're registered for the upper room".
Friends and family- it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Reginald "Reggie" Randolph Nelson. Reggie passed away on October 18th, 2022 at the age of 70, unexpectedly. Loved by all, cherished by many, Reggie will be dearly missed. According to his wishes, he wanted to be cremated and have a celebration of life in lieu of a funeral. We will be hosting a memorial at the following:
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 1616 East 18th St. Kansas City, MO November 19, 2022 6:00-10:00 pm
Our family would love for you to contribute any and all memories, photos, and stories you have of Reggie. You may submit a video (1 minute maximum) to Jammal at 816-665-1129 (cell) or via email at jammalnelson@gmail.com
Reggie was always the first to make a joke, make people laugh, and a sports fanatic. He filled everyone around him with love, joy, and positivity. Dad was very laid back so we ask that you dress in any sports attire- KC Chiefs, KC Royals, Fishing and/or Hunting. (Don't Forget the hat : Baseball Cap or Kangol turnt to the side).
We'll plant real trees for you in Reginald's memory and display your contribution forever.
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