Ray Odis "Roy Jones" Likely

Ray Odis “Roy Jones” Likely was born March 25, 1942 in Evergreen, Alabama and was reared in Port St. Joe, FL. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Sanford and Emma Jones, Elizabeth Likely and Newton Benjamin.

Roy joined Thompson Temple First Born Holiness Church at an early age, where he received his firm spiritual foundation that would prepare him for adult Christian living. He became a loyal member of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church in 1972, where he served as a faithful member. He was a dedicated member of the Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church Usher and Trustee Boards. He was also a member of the Old West Florida Primitive Baptist District Association. Brother Likely was always willing to support the Lord’s programs in any capacity that he could.

Roy graduated from Washington High School in 1961. Upon graduation he attended Massey Electronic Institute in Jacksonville, FL. From where he was drafted into the United States Army, February 1964; after his basic training he served in the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country from 1964 to 1966 and was honorably discharged. He earned several awards and medals i.e. Combat Infantry’s Badge Marksman (PISTOL .45), Vietnam Service Medal Marksman (RIFLE M-14), Sharpshooter (90Mm Gun). After returning home from Vietnam, he attended Gulf Coast Community College located in Panama City, FL as a part time student and earned an AA degree in General Education.

Ray “Roy” prided himself as the best mechanic, Plummer in Port St. Joe where he was employed at St Joe Paper Company as a pipe fitter’s helper for more than 35 years. He was a caring and gentle man who truly loved his family. Throughout his adult life, he cared for his aging parents, infirmed uncles, aunts, siblings, and in-laws; he never saw it as an imposition to visit the nursing homes and hospitals, or to lend a helping hand as needed while expecting nothing in return.

Ray “Roy” was called home to his great reward on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Panama City, FL. He was greatly loved and will forever be missed. He is preceded in death by his 2 sisters: Elnora and Thelma; 3 brothers: Elis, James and Walter.

Roy is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Minnie Jones Likely; children: Cameron Bernard, Princess, Jakari, Tomeka(husband Andre) and Carlos (wife-Mika); 8 grandchildren, sisters: Lisa and Clara (husband Pastor Ray Bolden); sisters-in-law: Mary Ford and Vernell Bailey; Brother-in-Law: Willie Jones, Jimmy Pouncey; God Son: Bill Wyatt; Special Nephews: George Jones, Cecil Boone, Greg Jones; Dedicated Friends: Deloris Glover, James Hamilton, Robert Redmon, Etavis Russ, Fred Willis, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and sorrowing friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Philedelphia Primitive Baptist Church from 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time until 7:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

Funeral services will be held at Zion Fair Baptist Church on Saturday, February 8, 2025 beginning at 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.