Abdul Qadir Jeelani

Abdul Qadir Jeelani age 62, passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, in Racine, Wisconsin.

Born Gary Cole Feb. 10, 1954 in Bell, Tennessee to Luna Mae and Frank Cole, he graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin where he began to develop his love for basketball. Abdul attended the University of Wisconsin Parkside where he became a stand-out basketball player to later be drafted by the NBA, scoring the first two points in Dallas Maverick history. After a short time in the NBA, Abdul became one of Europe’s most dynamic and well respected players, playing in Italy for Libertas Livorno and Lazio just to name a few.

While in college Abdul became interested in Islam. It wasn’t until the winter of 1976 that he formally converted and changed his name to Abdul Qadir Jeelani. During the last few years Abdul spent time offering basketball training to youth in Italy and Racine.

Abdul is survived by 2 children, a son, Azim Jeelani (wife Debbie) and daughter Kareema Jeelani; his brother, Jesse Ward (Sylvia); 3 sisters, Veronica J. Cole, Darlene Ward and Barbara Ward; 7 grandchildren, Azarian Davis, Kh’Maria Jeelani, Jalen D. Silas, Brandon Jeelani, Karisma Flowers, Kayla Flowers and Kaori Jeelani; special niece and nephews, Khadija McNeil (m. Jeelani); Rashid Jeelani, Raheem Jeelani and a host of loving relatives. Abdul was preceded in death by his mother Luna Mae Cole.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday August 11th, 2016, 5:00 P.M. at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Fieldhouse, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha, WI 53144. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside from 4:00 P.M. until time of service at 5:00 P.M.