In loving memory of

Reggie Coleman
March 24, 2019

Reggie L. "Thunder" Coleman, of Quincy, died Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 10:49 pm in Blessing Hospital.

Reggie was born January 27 in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Joseph and Mercedes White Coleman. He married Barbara Peacher Christy on April 15, 1990 in Quincy. She survives.

Reggie loved to talk at an early age, and this led him to a life-long career in broadcasting. Reggie grew up in Chicago, but he spent many Summers in Mobile, Alabama. While in the city, he attended Holy Angels Catholic School and De La Salle Institute of Chicago. After graduation, Reggie moved to Quincy where he attended Quincy University and earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Communications. Reggie was proud of having been educated at Catholic institutions from kindergarten through college.

Reggie remained in Quincy to pursue his career in broadcasting, where he would meet his colleagues and friends: Jeff Dorsey, Dennis Oliver, and Dave Norman. Reggie's uniquely deep voice was instantly recognizable by anyone, and it earned him the nickname, "Thunder". Reggie loved being around people, and he served on numerous local and statewide committees including John Wood Community College, Illinois Community College Trustees Association, Catholic Charities, Human Rights Commission, Teen Reach, and Elks Lodge. Later in life, Reggie took a position as a substitute teacher at John Wood Community College, where he was known as "Dr. Coleman." Reggie's love of talk, combined with his love of political science invariably led to many lengthy conversations anywhere he would go.

In addition to his wife, Barb, Reggie is survived by his son, Reggie Jr. (Angi) and their three children; two daughters: Alex (Jon) Coleman, who are expecting a child in July; and Taylor Coleman, all of Quincy; a brother, David (Aisha) Cathey of Montgomery, AL, and their children; and a host of other relatives, family, and close friends.

Reggie was preceded in death by his parents.

Services: 10:00 am Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Rev. Joseph Zimmerman O.F.M., and Rev. Orville B. Jones officiating. There will be no burial.

Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Wednesday March 27, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home

Memorials: memorials may be made to the family (to Barb Christy-Coleman) or the National Kidney Foundation.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

David Cathey and family wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Words can?t describe how much you are missed. I want to call you then I have to remind myself that you are not here. I miss you. Love always!"

JR. and family wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"You are missed ol man."

JR. and family wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"You are missed daily"

Larry & Pat Veile wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"We enjoyed hearing Reggie and Jeff Dorsey interact on the radio . He leaves many ?fans? in the Quincy area and he was a tremendous asset . Sympathies to his family and many many friends."

Andy and Paula Edgar wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Barb, Alex and Taylor, Paula and I send our most sincere sympathy to you for the loss of your Husband and Father! My experiences with Reggie range widely from radio, Kelly?s, JWCC and Cross Country. Reggie was the consummate Cross Country parent. My memories are of him planting his lawn chair under or near our team tent and not moving the rest of the meet! Other parents would run all over the place while the races were occurring. Not Reggie! But that voice was heard across the course! We always knew Reggie was at the course when we heard the ?Thunder?! Rest in peace my Friend."

Don Patton wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"My deepest sympathy to the family. Reggie and I shared much- alum of QU, love of family and commitment to the students of the community college system, as a fellow trustee. Thanks buddy for your gift to the world. You will be missed."

Jeff Sullivan wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"R.I.P. my friend. Was fortunate enough to be your cast mate in ?Little Shop of Horrors.? You, the voice of the man-eating plant, Audrey II, next to my naive, good- natured but lovable loser Seymour. That was a lot of fun. I?ll never forget that thunderous laugh, discussions about life at Quincy College as well as our big duet. Thank you for your presence in my life."

John wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Sorry to hear of your passing. Enjoyed conversations related to JWCC and legislation and what we thought would happen in the future. Rest in Peace. My condolences to the family on this great loss."

Ed DiMartino wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Godspeed big man! everyone thinks of Reggie?s booming voice but I think of his intellect and human kindness. Reggie helped me get on at WTAD in the early 90?s and shared a morning talk show called ?Your Turn?. We played off each other: two city guys that went to catholic schools and loved radio. I know he was in ailing health but never gave up. Yeah, a big man with an even bigger heart! We lost a good one."

Gary Davis wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"The Illinois Trustees Association benefited greatly from Reggie?s continued dedication. Reggie generated smiles whenever he entered a room and he provided encouragement to anyone and to any group working to improve the quality of life in their community. He was the very model of modern community leader. Your memory will live on, Reggie."

Chris Bangert wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"It was always fun to listen to Reggie on the radio back when I was a teenager. He had a great spirit and understanding of people. Now his great spirit is in Heaven and I?m sure he?s making it shine. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family and friends. Reggie will be missed."

Jeff & Joanne Bergman wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Our deepest sympathy to the family. RIP"

Dwain Preston wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Barbara and Girls?What a legacy this man left?to you and the Quincy community. Booming voice, great interviewer, heart of gold. My condolences."

Jane Klos wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Reggie was a good man. Even when we were young, and we were, you could see the man he would become. I can still hear your voice, Chocolate Thunder. God clip you close. Jane Klos (Heckel) QC 78-82 Earl Klos QC ?81"

Dee Boswell wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Reggie was an instant friend of mine on the ICCTA. He was a great friend of community colleges and of community college students. So long my friend."

Bob Ruff and Jean Butler wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"I think all of us thought we ?knew? Reggie. He had a way of making you feel that way. He left his mark on this world. He ran his race?and he ran it will. Well done they good and faithful servant!!!"

Charlene Vollmer -Spfd. Il. wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"I always looked forward to coming to Quincy to the Dialysis Support groups of Quincy/Hannibal area. Reggie always had lots of good input and some of the meetings were held at John Wood Community College."

John Michael Orr wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"On behalf of the family of Mary Ellen Orr, please know that your family is in our prayers. Mike"

John wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"I was fortunate to call Reggie a friend even though we only saw each other once or twice a year as Community College Trustees. He always made me smile and I enjoyed our trips to Hooters together in Springfield ? for the food, of course. Reggie never failed to send encouraging remarks and comments on most of my Facebook posts and I always enjoyed his sense of humor. God speed my friend and God?s blessings to his family."

Jame Schumacher wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Thanks for finding me and bringing me here all those years ago. You were always old, fat and sassy, but you were also smart, kinds and a friend."

Barb Oilschlager wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Rest in peace my good friend. You will be missed. The ?work? we did together for community colleges will have an everlasting impact. My condolences go out to your family."

Paul Ericson........Rawkdog or Von in the Radio Wo wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Reggie hired me to do a Sunday Jazz show on KGRC back in the 80?s and that happened only days after my old station had went dark. A lot of hours talking tunes and had several memorable evenings in the old GRC building and at the old Forum Show Palace where he was one of the better DJ?s, plus we went to see Earth, Wind and Fire at the Fabulous Fox in St Louis together which is still one of my favorite shows ever. He had an extraordinary way to make your day feel good even on one that was not heading that way. I know my life was enhanced by being a friend, co-worker, and musical buff with ?Thunder?. I always felt at home when that voice came through my speakers. My condolences to his family, friends and media peeps he worked with?.. and of course to his fans. He touched many, many lives including mine."

Greg Sandidge wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Reggie was a community treasure, to the Quincy area. He used to come into Kelly?s on Broadway after his radio show on WQCY and tell great stories to lift everyone?s spirits. Reggie was a great kind and compassionate man. Reggie always had a story to lift your spirits. Reggie also gave of himself to be on John Wood Community College Board for many years as well as many other volunteer activities. Reggie was also very versed in political discussions. Reggie was one for the ages. Hopefully he will be looking down from haven on Quincy for years to come."

Anonymous wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Rest in Paradise my friend I met you in 1984 and then worked with you at the boat later in life,you was a good example for us young men growing up how to believe in ourselves and be a good person so thank you my friend."

Roger and Tammy Hanlin wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"I was so saddened to hear of Reggies passing, I loved working in radio with him years ago, always fun; prayers to his family"

Jody Vaughn wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"Im very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will truly be missed. May God be with you all in this time of need."

Anonymous wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"My heart goes out to Reggies family. I had the privilege of going to Quincy College with Reggie. We were in Communications together??WOWSA was he a great DJ with tons of personality!!!!!! Reggie was a true friend and had a heart of GOLD!!!!!!!!!! His laugh and voice willll be missed. God welcomed you with open arms Reggie!!!!! Our deepest sympathy Bob and Pam Klohr Navolio"

Doyne Liverett wrote on Apr 7, 2019:

"You?ve been a good friend, Reggie. When the Thunder rolls, I?ll think of you."