Robert (Bob) Leon "Coach" Reinhart

Bob "Coach" Reinhart passed away Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 87. After living in Atlanta for over 62 years, he relocated to Tampa, Florida in April, to be closer to his son, Bobby. Unfortunately, he suffered with some health issues in the last few months and was unable to recover.

Bob was a mentor and leader to so many. The family is comforted by the fact that Bob lived a great and extremely blessed life. From Bob himself, "I've been truly blessed. Never had a job I didn't like. Matter of fact, my wife said I've never had a job in my life. I've enjoyed it all." Basketball was his profession but people were his passion. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to EVERYONE! Basketball provided Bob and his family many great friendships and memories. If you knew Bob, you know he loved to tell a good story - and most were true!

To say Bob came from humble and modest beginnings is an understatement. He was a proud Hoosier from Dale, Indiana where basketball was a religion. Bob was the tenth child of 13, born to Elmer and Della Reinhart, who preceded him in death. His brother Amon and sisters, Doris and Norma are surviving, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews. Bob thrived as a member of the Dale High School Aces basketball and baseball teams where he played alongside teammate and lifelong dear friend, Roger Kaiser. Bob then moved on to Indiana University where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. He graduated from IU with a dual degree in Biology and Physical Education. He was proud to have received the Gimbel Award at IU, awarded to a Senior athlete that distinguished himself in athletics, academics and displayed an outstanding mental attitude.

Bob was lured to Atlanta in 1964 by Kaiser where they enjoyed coaching together at Decatur High School. Bob launched a very successful basketball coaching career at Decatur (1970-1983), the Atlanta Hawks (1983-1985), and Georgia State University (1985-1994). Bob led Decatur to three state championships and took Georgia State to its first ever NCAA Tournament in 1991. Bobby was fortunate to have been coached by his dad at Decatur High School and also at Georgia State University. After his coaching career, Bob had several stints as a scout in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat where he helped build that organization into back-to-back NBA Champions in 2012 and 2013. His stellar basketball career earned him induction into the prestigious Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bob's work ethic was impeccable. Not only was he a coach and a teacher for numerous years, he obtained two Master's Degrees from Georgia State University, sold insurance, and umpired many baseball games during the "lean years" to support his family. He also ran several basketball camps in the summers and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow coaches and campers.

Bob was an excellent motivator. Whether you were playing for him, against him, sitting in his class at school or at church, he would motivate you. He loved a good quote!

Bob was an avid golfer who played a minimum of three times a week, weather permitting. Bob rarely missed a fairway and was notorious for his post-drive comment, "It ain't very far, but I can find it." Bob also loved fishing and hunting with longtime friends, Tommy Arnold and Gene Tormohlen in his early Atlanta days. He and Gene were also fortunate to share many scouting trips together and are no doubt hitting the horse track and singing to Patsy Cline. Bob and Jane attended the Kentucky Derby for 37 years. They were joined by the Arnolds, Tormohlens, and Jane's brother Jerry and his wife June for many of those years.

Bob has moved on to be with his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Jane. After a fall at home, in December of 2016, Jane was admitted to Budd Terrace at Emory and remained there until her death in October 2022. Bob was diligent about visiting her every single day until Covid kept them apart for a bit. When things opened back up, he was there to be with his bride. Jane was the perfect coach's wife and was "the wind beneath his wings." They were fortunate to travel quite a bit during their lives, but the trips they found most enjoyable were yearly beach trips (Ormond and Flagler Beaches in Florida) and cruises with their children, grandchildren and other friends that felt like family. The highlight of their year was getting together with their large extended families at the Miller and Reinhart family reunions in Southern Indiana. Being with family was always a joy to Bob and Jane.

The family was active at Decatur Church of Christ for many years and later at Campus Church of Christ in Norcross. Undoubtedly, the MANY friendships that were forged at the two congregations shaped the family. Bob would want you to know that faith was an important part of his life and that he was looking forward to be reunited with his loved ones. He would often repeat one of his brother Paul's statements saying, "When met at the Pearly Gates, what will your answer be when asked, "Who did you bring with you?" He would like for you to be there too!

Daughter Kelly Baker (Brad) and son Bobby Reinhart (Tara) were fortunate to be treated to remarkable guidance, example, and love on the part of both Bob and Jane. "Granddaddy" was loved by his grandchildren, Lindsey (Casey) Talbert, Kayla (Josh) Henson, Carson Burch, Alexandra Reinhart and his four great-grandchildren, Jordan, Reagan, Harper and Rivi Ray.

There will be a gathering for family and friends from 2:00-4:00 on Sunday, November 23 at Campus Church of Christ, 1525 Indian Trail Lilburn Road NW, Norcross, Ga. 30093

If you choose, contributions can be made to the ALEXIS KAISER FOUNDATION, 2688 Bennington Drive, Marietta, GA 30062. This foundation was near and dear to Bob's heart.

Reinhart, Robert (Bob) Leon "Coach"