Reynaldo Lee Spellman

The Life and Legacy of...

Reynaldo L. Spellman Sr. 

Reynaldo (Ray) was born in Norfolk, VA on January 3, 1955 to Marie Spellman and Jerry Spellman. He was raised in Chesapeake, VA (South Norfolk area). He attended Chesapeake Public Schools and graduated from Oscar Smith High School in 1973. Ray was known to be a prankster and protector for himself, his family and his close friends. He was an active member and played the trumpet in the Shout Band of the United House of Prayer for All People.

Ray decided to further his education at St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC where he received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1977. He was a member of the fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Inc. He was a proud Q-Dog. He was branded with the Omega symbol on his arm and his chest. Ray was given the name Psycho Mania by his Frat brothers because of his love of Psychology. He was described as an gifted, special individual with a heart of gold. He met the love of his life, Stephanie R. Roberts at St. Aug. She became a Q-Pearl by her association with Ray.

After graduation, Ray and Stephanie moved to Virginia. They were married in Chesapeake, VA. courthouse on June 16, 1980. Ray was a salesman for Kirby and was dedicated to providing the best experience for his customers. He enjoyed showing off the many features of the cleaning system and doing free shampoo demonstrations in the consumer homes. While deciding on expanding their family, Ray obtained a position as a car salesman at Tidewater Dodge in Norfolk. The couple welcomed their first child, Renada in November of 1986. Ray was so proud to be a father. He wanted the best for his family. He went on to work for several other car dealers in the Hampton Roads area. He supported his wife in her creative ventures. The couple welcomed their second child, Reynaldo Jr. in August of 1994. Ray was pleased to have a son to pass on his legacy. He gave his son the nickname, Tightman. He enjoyed recording his children singing and dancing to music on his camcorder. Ray enjoyed time with his family by going out to eat, listening to music, watching movies and taking occasional trips to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.

Ray had a strong love for music. Some of his favorite artists were the Isley Brothers, Cameo, Stevie Wonder, Parliament Funkadelic, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Sting and many others. He obtained a large collection of records, cassette tapes and CD's at his home. He had a stereo system with surround sound in his family room (the Den) where he would spend intimate time with his family and entertain his guests. Ray was an avid reader. Over the years, he collected a number of books related to spirituality, hypnosis and science/medicine. He had his daughter, Renada, reading the back cover of his books to expand her vocabulary and comprehension. 

He had the opportunity to use his experience and knowledge to become a finance manager at Barton Ford in Suffolk. He later decided to work with insurance at Sutherland Global in Chesapeake and Optima Health in Virginia Beach. 

Ray was very active in his children and grandchildren's lives. He encouraged his children to be strong and to stand up for themselves. Most recently, he was actively involved with assisting his daughter with her children while she was in a program to create a better life for herself and her children.

Reynaldo Lee Spellman Sr departed this life peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022 in his Norfolk apartment. He was preceded in death by his wife, Stephanie R. Spellman and his father, Jerry Spellman. He leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter, Renada Spellman; a son, Reynaldo Spellman Jr.; two granddaughters, Jaida and Laila; a grandson, Ryan; his mother, Marie Spellman; two sisters, Anthonette Spelllman and Jeryl Butts (Jimmy); a brother, Ronnie Spellman (Betty); an aunt, uncle and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.