Roy Jackson Baldree Sr.

Roy Jackson Baldree, Sr., best known as "Jack", "Daddy", "Grandpa", or "Fatboy" as he was affectionately called by his granddaughter, Ashley, left our world in spirit and soul on March 28, 2025 at 6:55 p.m.

His daughter, Joyce was holding his hand and granddaughter Kathryn and Navy husband, Abdiel Rivera were by his side. His sister Olimae and grandson Jeremy Allen and wife Carla were near as well as his adopted daughter Debbie Perry. His granddaughter, Ashley Durrance, was by his side as loved one and our trusted source of medical knowledge and his grandson, Jeremy slept beside him in a chair nightly, spending time listening to his stories.

His grandson, Edward drove down from Adele to rescue him from fear in the emergency room. Dad described his visit over and over again "and poof! There was Eddie!" His family had come to visit him and sit with him prior to his death and he was able to say Goodbye and tell them how proud he was of each one.

Jack was a remarkable man having served in the Navy during the Korean War, served as a deputy in Hillsborough County, and a relief minister and Sunday School teacher when his four children were in grade school. He also worked at Hertz Equipment Rental in St. Petersburg, FL, started his own concrete business, and always worked as a mechanic in his spare time. He cared for his wife, Betty JoAnn Smith Baldree for 18 years after a massive heart attack and stroke left her without memories or speech. He never left her side.

Among other amazing things, Jack was a master gardener. His sunflowers and rose bushes were outrageous! He could grow and produce anything from okra to watermelon and his tomatoes were first class! He raised cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits as well.

Jack had many friends in Citrus County, the most cherished were Archie Dabney, Clarence and Doug Alexander, and Baker and Fred Miley.

Those who knew Jack, admired and respected him. He will be missed by all especially his four children – Jack Jr., Janice Toler, Judy Craven, and Joyce "Joy" Baldree as well as his beautiful sister who called him every day, Olimae "Tootsie" Denmark of Statesboro, Georgia.

Grandpa, GaGa, Poppy, Pop-pop, and Fatboy will also be so missed by his many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, especially those who visited him Jeremy, Ashley, Edward, Kathryn, Shannon, Bruce, Roylee, Joshua, Jesse, Devin, Bree, Chris, Trent, Caleb, Landon, Adeline, Mackenzie, Bailey Grace, Payton, Luna Jay, and baby Kasper Jackson. The many other grandchildren he loved so much who could not make it and Shaun and Megan who were waiting for him in heaven.

Jack Baldree, Sr. You were a great man and you will be so missed and so cherished by all of us! We love you, Daddy!