Obituary of Reginald K. Gatlin

Reginald “Reggie” Keith Gatlin, passed away suddenly July 12, 2018. Born in Virginia Beach, VA on September 30, 1956, Reggie was the third of five children born to Clarence Sr. and Mollie Gatlin. As a child he was raised in church and had a love for God that was witnessed on Sunday mornings while singing alongside his brothers and sister as his father played the guitar.

 As a man, Reggie most recently worked for Above All Transportation as a driver, but on any given day his profession could have been that of a mechanic, roofer, landscaper, or plumber. He was skilled and talented in a multitude of trades. However, his most talented skill was the ability to walk into a lifeless room, and bring vibrancy and joy to those around him.

Reggie had a love for many things, most memorable would be his love for fine cars or more specifically Cadillacs! He is remembered to have taken meticulous care of those cars…. washing them and prepping them on an early Saturday or Sunday morning. But even with such a fine love, he had one even greater: the timeless love for his wife Pamela, his children and his family.

Reggie and Pamela were married on October 4, 2004. A wedding after a decades long love story. Reggie wooed Pam with songs like “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, and his charm and sly smile! This magnetic union lives on through their children Andre Ellis of Avon, MA, Deon Smith of Randolph, MA, Ayrika Ellis of Braintree, MA, Yolaina Ellis - Bartholomew (Derron “Remi”) of Dedham, MA, and Tumika Parker of Randolph, MA.

Reggie is also survived by his parents Clarence Gatlin Sr. and Mollie Gatlin of Norfolk, VA.

Siblings: Clarence Gatlin, Jr. (Linda) of Norfolk, VA, Elwood Gatlin (Melissa) of Mattapan, MA, Sheila Spruill (Thomas) of Virginia Beach, VA.

Frank Jones of Boston, MA, Roger Jones (Connie) of Trenton, NJ, Keith Slaughter of Trenton, NJ, Deborah Ellis of Avon, MA, Lori Ellis of Bridgeport, AL, Shelly Jones (Bobbie) of Trenton, NJ, and Carmen Burrell of Trenton, NJ.

Grandchildren: Arriana Ellis, Matteo Harlay Steward, Andre Dennis, Chaquia Ellis Evans, Qiara Ellis, Ayrika “Diva” Ellis, Julian Bartholomew, Maya Bartholomew, Deyon Smith, Tyliyah Parker, Leon McBean, Jr., Emaeay “Mindy” Thermindor.

As well as a host of very special nieces, nephews and close family friends.

Preceded in death: Deborah Daulphine Gatlin (sister), Cleon McElroy Ellis (mother in law), Edward Ellis, Sr. (father in law), Roger Jones (father in law), and Edward “Peanut” Ellis (brother in law)

Though today we may cry and say our farewells this is not goodbye. We were all blessed to have known such a kindred soul, therefore we should live our lives vibrantly and with a “Whatever the day brings” attitude as he did. Reggie will always be remembered in every fried bologna sandwich, plate of chitterlings and hot sauce, craftsmanship of a Cadillac or old school R&B song. If you’re missing him, find solace in the memory of his enjoyment of these things and you will feel his presence and his spirit embrace your heart in death as it would have in life.