Timothy R. Regula

This man could SING!
Timothy R Regula, 81, was born September 17, 1944, in Canton and lived almost his entire life in Jackson Township. His journey took him to Heaven on October 24, 2025. With natural God-given abilities and early classical training from an instructor tied to Beverly Sills of Metropolitan Opera fame, Tim possessed one of the most thunderously powerful and gorgeous solo baritone voices imaginable, responsible for countless joyful tears and goosebumps. If you never heard him, the windows must have been closed. Starting out singing in churches, at weddings and in local productions, he was set for true success; but, as often happens, life circumstances blocked the big stage. In a complete turn of events, he moved to a professional trucking career spending over 25 years driving an 18-wheeler, chalking up over 2 million accident-free miles across the country. He drove for several companies including Artim, Motor Freight Express and J B Hunt, until retiring due to medical challenges. Very creative, Tim was quite the talker and writer. Every now and then, he'd produce a poem and was a master children's storyteller. He loved to speak about the adventures relayed to him by the imaginary friend he would often encounter along desolate roads late at night... the Dogagator. Tim loved animals. As a child, he raised rabbits, and throughout his life he always had a dog or cat or two. He was responsible for the family's deep love of Boston Terriers; there was Peggy Sue, then Pansy and now Piper. For many years, he and Bonnie shared the hobby of attending countless auctions and flea markets seeking antiques and collectibles. Tim's specialties were pocket knives and firearms (at one time his collection was quite extensive), but he also assisted Bonnie with looking for rare glassware and miscellaneous treasures. Tim was a charitable soul with an especially kind heart for the downtrodden. During his travels he would sometimes come across someone asking if he could spare a buck or two. For those folks, he had a steadfast nonjudgmental policy; he would open his wallet and give them half of what he had, even when it left him with little to go on. Not many knew this about him. He was tenacious. As a young boy, he spent a couple summers digging a big hole back in the family orchard, saying he was going to build his house there. At age 45, he did just that, providing his family a lovely home on that very spot! Mission accomplished. Tim enjoyed the challenge of problem solving and if you needed advice, he was a good one to talk to. He was just so special. A loving and loyal family man, his greatest pleasure was being comforted by the company of his loved ones. We will miss him very much. In a life heavily dotted with pain and strife, he remained a courageous fighter and triumphantly rebounded in many ways until the very end. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 48 years, Bonnie (Braucher) Regula, whom he knew as far back as could be remembered. She always told him, "there was a reason God made us neighbors... we were here for each other all along". Also surviving are his caring daughter, Laura Saftner, of Starke, Fl; his very devoted son, Rev Ryan Regula of Massillon who made time to be with him nearly every day; granddaughters Megan, Melody and Marissa; great grandchildren Hunter, Madeline and Henry; sister Louise Dietz; brother Tom (MaryJo) Regula; sisters-in-law Brenda Braucher and Rose Kemp; brother-in-law Brian (Maritza) Braucher; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Preceding him in death were parents Francis and Naomi (Davis Kemp) Regula; brother Jeffrey Kemp and brothers-in-law Fred Dietz and Bruce Braucher.
"Sing, Tim, sing! Surely there's a heavenly concert scheduled with an opening for a soloist!" were some of the last words Bonnie whispered in his ear.
According to the wishes of his family, a private burial will take place at Sunset Hills Burial Park. To share fond memories and condolences, please visit Reedfuneralhome.com