Mr. Rudolph Valentino Quarterman, Jr.

With hearts full of love and reverence, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Mr. Rudolph Valentino Quarterman, Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, trailblazing entrepreneur, steadfast mentor, and proud Vietnam veteran. Affectionately known as “Val,” he departed this earthly realm peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2025, in his beloved Savannah, Georgia—the city that shaped him and the community he poured his heart into uplifting.

Val was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and faith, a man whose unwavering dedication to family and community left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His presence was larger than life, and his story—one of resilience, service, and love—will be told for generations to come.

A man of seemingly superhuman work ethic, Val wore many hats throughout his storied life. He was a farmer, businessman, photographer (SCAD), mentor, and provider, seamlessly balancing the demands of an eight-to-five job while running multiple businesses and ensuring his loved ones never wanted for anything. His hands built, his mind strategized, and his heart guided everything he did.

“Don’t take any wooden nickels; in all things, put God first and He will direct your path,” he often said—a mantra that reflected his unshakable faith and ethical compass. He did not merely read the Gospel; he lived it, embodying its teachings in his words and actions. His favorite scripture, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1-3), was the cornerstone of his life and legacy.

Val’s business acumen was nothing short of extraordinary. As an entrepreneur, he built Coastal Communication and Electronics Co., Inc. in the early 1990s and later founded Coastal Environmental and Construction Management, Inc. His contributions extended far beyond personal success—he was a fierce advocate for minority-owned businesses, serving as Project Director for the Savannah Minority Business Development Center and playing a vital role in the Savannah Area Minority Contractors Association.

 His commitment to mentorship knew no bounds. Whether guiding young entrepreneurs, advising those navigating the complexities of business, or simply offering words of wisdom, Val was a force of nature who empowered others. A man of action, he believed in lifting as he climbed, ensuring that opportunities were not only seized for himself but created for those who came after him.

Val’s brilliance extended beyond business—he was a man of great intellect and ambition. He graduated from Morris Brown College with a degree in Economics before earning his MBA from Atlanta University, seamlessly integrating his love for learning with his passion for progress.

At just 19 years old, he made history as the youngest employee at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)—a groundbreaking achievement that spoke to his tenacity and drive. And when duty called, he served with honor in the Vietnam War as a Specialist 5, carrying the weight of his experiences with grace and returning home with a renewed commitment to making the world a better place.

Above all else, Val was a devoted family man, the unwavering rock upon which his loved ones built their lives. His beloved wife, Joanne Elizabeth Quarterman, was his partner in all things, and together they raised six exceptional children: Rudolph Valentino Quarterman, III; Rommel Victor (Jennifer) Quarterman; Radcliff Vladimir (Tomeka) Quarterman; Valentina Rholonda Quarterman; Victoria Roxanne Quarterman; and Valeria (Ezzard, Jr.) Quarterman-Bolton.

His love extended to his eight grandchildren—Zachary Elijah Quarterman, Kayle Janae Bolton-Hill, Ezzard Charles Bolton, III, Freddie Elijah Brown, III, Grace Elizabeth Quarterman, Ava Renee Bryan, Camille Sinclaire Quarterman, Bella Elizabeth Quarterman, Rudie Isabella Quarterman, Lourdes Seraphina Quarterman—and his three great-grandchildren, Za’Raya Monae Hill, Raiden Elijah Quarterman, Aries Alexander Quarterman and a host of nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces, all of whom carry forward his legacy of love, faith, and determination.

His cherished four sisters—Claudia (Samuel) Williams, Carlethia (John) Eady, Veronica (Isaiah) White, and Cynthia (Pantelis) Quarterman—remain steadfast in honoring his memory, ensuring that his influence will never fade.

He was preceded in death by his devoted parents, Rudolph Valentino Quarterman, Sr., and Bernice Quarterman, whose teachings laid the foundation for the extraordinary man he became.

While Val’s work and service shaped history, he was also a man who relished life’s simple joys. Whether he was watching old cowboy movies, swaying to the timeless rhythms of Motown, or casting a line into the water, he found peace in the things that made his soul feel free. His laughter was infectious, his advice profound, and his presence a gift to all who knew him.

To know Rudolph Valentino Quarterman, Jr. was to witness greatness in its purest form. He was a man of integrity, a giver, a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light in the lives of so many. His absence leaves an undeniable void, but his spirit, teachings, and legacy of love remain forever imprinted within the fabric of all our lives.

As we honor this towering figure of resilience, wisdom, and faith, let us not dwell on his departure but instead celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the lives he forever changed.

In every old Western film, in every Motown melody, in every river that flows with promise, the essence of Val Quarterman lives on—a testament to a life well-lived, a family well-loved, and a world forever better because of him.

A warrior. A pioneer. A man whose story will never fade.

Rest well, Val. Your work here is done, but your legacy will never end.