Mr. Upton Reginald Roundtree, age 64. Sunrise February 11, 1959 and Sunset June 1, 2023.
Reggie is preceded in death by: paternal grandfather and namesake, Upton Roundtree; paternal grandmother, Delores Scott; father, Zelma Roundtree, Sr.; mother, Margaret Roundtree; step-mother, Mary Roundtree; sisters, Betty Howard and Helen Saunders; brothers, Zelma Z Roundtree, Jr., and James Tiller; brothers- in-law Pastor Nathaniel Robinson, Jr. and Hayward Taylor.
Reggie leaves to celebrate his life; wife, Maria Roundtree, son, Travis Roundtree (Amor), sisters; Elder Margaret Justice, Elder DeLois Taylor, Pastor Yvonne Robinson, and Rhonda Denise Greene; in-laws; Adiza Shaibu and all his brothers & sisters-in-law in Accra Ghana, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Reggie graduated from Reynoldsburg High School in 1978 in the top half of his class. Not only did he excel in his educational classes, he was also skillful in football and other sports. Soon after he graduated high school, Reggie and a few of his friends decided to drive to California. While in California Reggie furthered his education and became a psychiatric technician, as well as a substance abuse counselor II. He remained out west for many years.
Several times Reggie traveled to Africa, and it was during one of these trips that his love for his motherland motivated him so much that he stayed there for an entire 18 months. When Reggie moved back to Columbus he had grown into a real man and was ready for the world that awaited him.
After a massive heart attack, Reggie underwent surgery and received an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). At that time he was told by the doctors that the LVAD he received would probably last only for about 5 years. Through God’s grace Reggie had his for 10 years. He was always testifying about how God brought him through every trial and tribulation he ever faced in his life. On August 5, 2020 he was blessed with a new heart transplant.
In his professional career Reggie worked with the Mary Haven Addiction Recovery Program, the Columbus Area Mental Health Addiction Treatment Program, and the OSU Talbot Hall Addiction Treatment Center. He worked as a youth counselor with the Alcohol and Drug Mental Health (ADAM) program until his health began to fail.
Reggie did not let his health deter him from continuously doing the work of a Godly man; as a matter of fact the week before he transitioned to glory he had volunteered at Mary Haven. He loved giving back to his community whether it was through mentorship, activism, or assisting with community activities.
Reggie had a passion for any kind of music but making music through Djembe drumming was his favorite. At any given time he could be seen teaching the art of African drumming to the youth.
Reggie was a dedicated member of the Acts of Faith Community Crusade Church where he ministered with the AOF praise team and also the AOF male chorus. Each Sunday morning when he ministered through DRUM CALL his light shone so brightly that anyone could see that this was one of his favorite ways of giving God praise.
Reggie married a woman that God had made especially for him “Maria”. She loved him unconditionally and was with him through every up and every down. She was right by his side when he took his last breath and walked down the hall with him as they rolled him down for the last time.
Reggie was a true giver in life. He touched many lives in his living. He said it best when he said “I’ve had a good life; I will see you on the other side”.
Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Friday, June 16, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Church, 2000 E 17th Ave, Columbus OH 43219. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Roundtree Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
Dear Roundtree Family,
I send you my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Reggie. I knew him from the drumming circle at the Cancer Support Center, and he was one the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Our circle will remember him with the fondest memories for all the warmth, love, and energy he brought to our group. He is now with God and at peace. Know that Reggie is loved by so many and will be forever in our hearts.
Reggie is such a speacial soul with such a big heart. I say that in the present tense because I feel like his influence and spirit is living on in us. He gave me inspiration by his enthusiasm for living , and through his forgiving spirit. He was supportive of people who needed help – whether with kind and understanding words, or with material support. He took care of people who needed help and had a strong sense of justice. I miss him being here on earth with us ❤️
I just saw Reggie no more than 30 days ago,I am stunned,I hadn’t seen Him in years & We ran into eachother at the store,Good Brotha gone to soon! He is with the Elders playing the Drum!Rest Warrior!!
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. You complemented each other like no other couple I know with your love, positive attitudes and smiles. May those precious memories bring you comfort always. Peace and love to you and your family.
I last saw Reggie drumming at Wahru’s memorial. In fact, wherever there was a cause for drumming at a celebration is where Reggie could be found. There’s a living vibration that we all share while drumming, and you can almost visualize all of our souls mingling and dancing. Reggie, with his contagious smile, was always the heart of it all. It seemed the vibration lived through him. He brought the grateful energy to everyone in the circle. Everyone who ever participated knew this to be true. He truly was an angel on this earth. There is no doubt his spirit will be with us, every time we drum. Wile we will miss his physical presence, his spirit will forever be present when we drum. I thank him for his gift.
My heart is with Reggie’s family and friends. He was a great friend and talented drummer. He was immensely loved and will be truly missed.
My condolences.
Cynthia and Harold Lee give you our heart felt condolences.
Rest in Heaven, I went to school with Reggie and knew him as a kind and caring man that he carried on through out his time on Earth. Rest in Heaven Reggie..
Picked from the garden of life to receive your just reward in heaven.Our deepest sympathy to Maria and the ROUNDTREE family.Not only was Reggie our friend but he was also our brother in Christ.There definitely will be a void without his presence.Drum on dear friend your wings await you.
Fly high Reg.
Oh my how we lost a warrior here on earth. It’s now time for him to receive his reward. Reggie was so kind he never complained about anything. He always kept a smile on his face. He was always so greatful for everything. He loved his wife bunches. He always lit up Acts of Faith early in the morning with his drum call. He left an impacting legacy for anyone who met him. He will be forever missed.
Sending hugs and love to the Roundtree Family..
I am so sorry to hear of Reggie’s passing. My deepest condolences to all of his family. Reggie was a beautiful, and vibrant person who drummed with so much heart and soul. I will miss his presence in our drumming circles and community.
I had the pleasure to experience Reggie’s most wonderful spirit while he Volunteered at Maryhaven. He so inspired me and so many others in his passion for life and faith as spoken through his drumming and his smile!
Our deepest condolences to the Roundtree family. Our new friendship with him through the drum circle was joyful. His smile and generous spirit will forever be a apart of our lives.
Prayers of peace and comfort to all.
Jim and Paddy Samuelson
I am so sorry to hear about Reginald’s home going.. he was an incredible individual and a talented and gifted musician, but a friend first and foremost. We were musicians together in the house band for the King’s Art Complex along with others for years. He loved life, music, and God. He will be truly missed. To the family you have our heartfelt condolences