Upton Reginald Roundtreee

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