Melvin Leroy Jones

Melvin Leroy Jones, son of the late Isaac Jones, Jr. and Gessner Jones was born on October 2, 1947 in Jacksonville, FL. He was a meek, mild and humble man who loved his family. He was a loving husband, father and PaPa, who always put his family first.

Education: He attended high school at Matthew W. Gilbert Class of 1965 in Jacksonville, FL. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, FL and his Master’s degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Retired: Melvin retired from Duval County Public Schools after many years of service.

Career: Melvin was a standout wide receiver for the FAMU Rattlers from 1965-1969. His breakout year was 1968 where he collected 392 yards on 30 receptions and scored 5 touchdowns.  He was MVP of the 1968 Orange Blossom Classic, catching 6 passes for 118 yards.  He was a member of the 1968 All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football team. During his football career he was drafted to the Los Angeles Rams and later played with the Miami Dolphins. In later years he became the basketball coach and Athletic Director over the course of 7 years, while working at Lincoln University, Lincoln, PA.  He returned to FAMU in 1986-1993 as the wide receivers coach. During his tenure he produced several All-MEAC receivers who were drafted to the NFL. He later moved to Frankfort, Kentucky to become the receivers coach at Kentucky State University, before returning to his home town of Jacksonville, FL.

Hobbies: He enjoyed talking on the phone with his brothers Isaac and Cyrus about all sports, especially football, politics, and food. Spending time with his beautiful wife, entertaining his daughter and grandkids were some of his most cherished moments.

Date of Death: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 9:53 am.

Spouse: Mrs. EJ Jones

Daughter: Felicia K. O’Neal

Grandchildren: Darryl “DJ” Morten, Adriana “Tiny” O’Neal, Adrian “Butler” O’Neal, Jr.

Great-Granddaughter: Nevaeh Morten, who he calls his “Smiley”

Parents: The Late Isaac Jones, Jr. and Gessner Jones

Brothers: Isaac Jones, III (Gean), Jacksonville, FL; Cyrus Jones, Lincoln, PA

Sisters-in-law: Bessie Wright and Margaret Jackson, Gretna, FL; JoAnne Vereen, St. Petersburg, FL

Brothers-in-law: Professor Booker Peek, Oberlin, OH; Joe David Wright, Jr., St Petersburg, FL; Willie Sipling, Jr. (Laura), Gretna, FL

He also leaves to cherish his precious memories Aunt Matilda Vickers, Melvin Johnson, Damien Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Proceeded in death by: Father and Mother, Isaac and Gessner Jones; and sister, Annette Peek.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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