Reggie Webb is seen in an undated photo. The Claremont resident and community volunteer died Saturday, July 20, 2024. (Courtesy of Webb Family Enterprises)
Longtime McDonald’s franchisee and Inland Empire Black community advocate Reggie Webb has died from leukemia-related illnesses. He was 76.
Webb, who died Saturday, July 20, became a McDonald’s franchisee in 1985 and eventually operated 16 restaurants in Southern California through his company, Webb Family Enterprises. His restaurants employ more than 1,100 people.
“Reggie Webb’s success at McDonald’s is well-known, but what truly sets him apart is his commitment to lifting others alongside him,” said Joseph Williams, a board member for the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
In addition to founding Webb Family Investments, Webb established the Ontario-based Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement, which creates support systems for African American businesses and closes the racial wealth gap.
“Such a treasured man of integrity and generosity,” said Charee Gillins, marketing and communications director for the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
Webb, who lived in Claremont, dedicated most of his time to the community, holding numerous leadership positions, including chairman of the National Black McDonald’s Operator Association, chairman of the National Leadership Council for All Owners of the United States and founding chairman of the Global Operator Leadership Council.
In 2004, Webb received the 365Black Lifetime Achievement Award from McDonald’s in honor of his contributions to the Black community.
Webb, born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1948, was raised in South Los Angeles by his grandmother.
“His presence was impactful, and he lived a life dedicated to the betterment of all,” a Webb family statement said.
Reggie is survived by his wife Rene, three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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Ontario-based group supports Black businesses, pushes for diversity – Daily Bulletin
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Webb and his wife Rene have a philanthropic past. They were recipients of Cal State San Bernardino’s Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters in 2021 along with being named Philanthropic Honorees by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Inland Empire Chapter in 2022, a Cal State University San Bernadino news release states.
“Webb believed in the power of unity and the importance of speaking life into people, always encouraging those around him,” his family’s statement said.
Services for Reggie Webb will be in late August.
