Reginald Blen Colvard

Reginald Blen Colvard passed away peacefully on February 14, 2015 with his family by his side. Reggie or “Coach” as he was also known was born in Hartwell, Georgia on January 26, 1934 to Walter & Polly Colvard. Though he moved away from Hartwell, he returned often to visit his beloved high school classmates, still planning and attending reunions until the time of his passing. Reggie attended the University of Tampa on a football scholarship where he excelled for the Spartans. Reggie loved to stay in touch with his teammates and tell stories about the glory days of Tampa U football. Later, he went on to coach football at Tampa U and Wichita State. It was at Tampa U where he met the love of his life Patricia; they were married for 57 wonderful years. After his coaching career, Reg worked for Phillips Petroleum Co. for 30 years in their sales & marketing department, including the position of President of Lee & Pomeroy Oil Co. This line of work was well suited for him as he loved to talk. If you were around Reg for long, you were no longer a stranger. For those that knew Reggie, he was a big man with an even bigger heart. Despite being a large man, he had a gentle soul. He was very generous to others; however, he never wanted credit or recognition for his actions. Reg was very involved in his son’s lives while growing up in Tampa. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America long after John and Todd had completed their scouting careers. He was also very active with the Dad’s Club of Plant High School and enjoyed going to Plant football games for years after the boys finished playing and graduated. In retirement, Reg and Pat enjoyed traveling around the country visiting friends. He also loved meeting his friends and “holding court” every day at Palios Bros. and Jimbo’s BBQ among other South Tampa haunts to discuss football and solve the problems of the world. Reg is survived by his wife Patricia; his son John and his wife Stephanie and their children Cece and Ginger; his son Todd and his wife Kelly and their daughter Allison. “Big Papa” especially loved his three granddaughters; there was nothing he loved more than holding babies. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, there will be a celebration of his life in the near future. For those wishing to do something to honor Reggie, the family would ask for donations to The Chiselers. This organization is dedicated to the restoration of the Tampa Bay Hotel at the University of Tampa. Donation information can be found at www.chiselersinc.org