Reginald Christian, Sr. (Lansing)

Marine Sergeant Reginald Christian Sr., was born on May 16, 1956 in Birmingham, Alabama, to James Aurelius Christian, and Cleola Clark Christian. He was the fourth child in the line of eleven children (seven girls and four boys), but as the first son born to this union, which made Reginald ‘Little Brother’ to his three older sisters, and ‘Big Brother’ to the rest.

Having been born to Christian parents, (not just in name but also in Spirit); Reginald confessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. He was baptized and became a member at Bethel Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Robert Smith Sr. Reginald attended G. W. Scott Elementary School in Birmingham, grades 1st – 8th.

Based on the number of his siblings, it’s obvious that Reginald grew up in a large family, but the bonds of love within the family were larger still. As in most southern families during that time, there was hardly anyone who was called by their given name. Since Reginald seemed just a little too formal, to his family his nickname was ‘Red’. Or maybe the truth of the matter was we just didn’t feel like pronouncing all those syllables each time we needed to call out his given name. After relocating to Lansing in 1971, to others he became known as simply, Reggie, but to his family he was always Red.

Reginald united with Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus of Union, Reverend Charles J Patterson Sr., where he served as a member of the Young Adult Choir. Reginald became a member of the Lansing Christian Center Church in 1985 under its current leader, Pastor Howard Davenport. There he served as an usher, and as a member of the Praise Company music ministry.

Reginald was a 1974 graduate of Harry Hill High School in Lansing Michigan. It was there that he met Rosia Marie Williams. The two were united in marriage in July of 1976. Reginald and Rosia were married for 19 years before she pre-deceased him April 3, 1996. Three children were born to that union. As a husband and father, he took his role seriously and was a wonderful, caring, provider and protector. As a sibling and a friend, he was always smiling, laughing, joking, and demonstrating his rather dry sense of humor.

Reginald loved working with his hands, whether working on cars or landscaping. He was also very artistic and musically creative. He painted wonderfully detailed pictures on canvas and played the lead and bass guitar. He sang as a member of the Robert L. Jenkins Singers and at one point sang and played in a local band. He enjoyed playing football where he perfected the art of the shoestring tackle, a technique that sent players airborne, with only minimal physical effort. He played football both in high school and in the Marine Corps.

It was in 1976 that Reginald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through his basic training at Parris Island Marine Base in South Carolina. Reginald obtained the rank of Sergeant, and during his time of active duty, served at Marine Corps bases in Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton California. His Military Occupational Specialty was an Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic where his duties included: inspecting, testing, and performing corrective maintenance to aircraft gas turbine engines and engine systems. His last duty assignment was with the 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. Reginald was honorably discharged in 1985.

Reginald leaves to cherish his memory, children Rasheka (Levoy) Christian-Wilson, Raina R. (Andre) Christian-Alston, Reginald Christian Jr., Torrell Christian, Jorrell Alexander Christian; one grandson, Andre Jr., two granddaughters, Rayonna Marie and Ramiyah Rose; father James A. Christian; mother, Cleola Crawford; seven sisters, Freddie J. Perdue, Virginia C. Turner, Dorothy M. Jenkins, Janice L. Christian, Janet G. (Michael) Washington, Deaquanita Christian, Jamie Christian-Ramsey; three brothers, Alfred (Stella) Christian, James Alan (Carrie) Christian, Aurelius Christian; mother-in-law, Rosia L. Williams, sister-in-law, Alfenia Williams, brother-in-law, James C. Williams, aunt, Leola Watts; God children, Vera Hills, Charles Burnette Jr. and Latoya Burnette. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.