Cleveland Michel Regis, III

Cleveland Michel Regis, III or “Porky” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was born on August 11, 1948 in Fayetteville, NC to the late Cleveland Regis, II and Gladys McIver Regis. He spent his childhood years growing up on Broadell Drive as a member of the Broadell Pirates with his close neighborhood friends. During his early teenage years, he became an avid sportsman as a baseball player, winning numerous accolades and a ping pong championship. He graduated from the illustrious E.E. Smith High School with the class of 1966. He then attended Virginia State University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. During his tenure at Virginia State University, he crossed the burning sands of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1968. He was deeply involved with his fraternity but also found the time to be a part of the Pershing Rifles in the ROTC. In 1970, he joined the United States Army as first lieutenant and later was promoted to Captain. 

 

The most important part of his time at Virginia State University, introduced him to his future wife, Fran Naomi Pullen. They were married in Roanoke, Virginia on August 7, 1971. From this marriage, they had two beautiful children, Tiffini Regis Lucas and Cleveland Michel Regis, IV. During his time in Virginia, he worked at Fort Lee and then with Blue Cross Blue Shield. He was actively involved in the community, serving on the Petersburg School Board. He was an involved father, often coaching his children’s baseball and teeball teams. He moved to New Jersey in 1989 to pursue working with his brother, Dr. Jon Regis at Reliance Medical Group. He worked in different capacities up until he officially retired in 2023 while living in Columbia, MD.  

 

Over the years, Cleveland traveled, enjoyed sports and spent as much time with his family and friends as possible. He loved to dance and play Bid Whisk until the wee hours of the night. He knew the most obscure sports facts. ESPN had nothing on him! He attended football games, basketball games, soccer matches, and school events for his grandchildren. He was ALWAYS present. It was not a surprise to find him driving up to New Jersey, flying to Chicago, or driving up to Harrisburg to see his grandchildren compete. There was no greater joy than being involved in their lives. 

 

Cleveland was preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland Regis, II and Gladys McIver Regis and his sister, Patricia Regis. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Regis Ward  and his brother, Dr. Jon Regis (Celeste); children Dr. Tiffini Regis Lucas (Daryl) and Cleveland Michel Regis, IV (Amanda); a host of grandchildren, Daryl Lucas II and Kristin Lucas (Tiffini’s children) and Alex Figueroa, Torey Bussie, Cleveland Regis V, Ava Marie Blanck, Chase Regis and Cam Regis (Cleveland’s children). He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews that are too numerous to name but are each, forever carved in his heart. 

 

A private Celebration of Life will be held on September 6, 2026 at Victoria Falls Clubhouse in Laurel, Maryland.