Roy Gilbert McLennon

Roy Gilbert McLennon was born on June 18, 1932, in Springfield, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. He was ninety years old. Roy was the fourth of eleven children for his parents, Aaron and Ellen McLennon. He attended Springfield All Age School before enrolling in Knockalva Polytechnic College in Hanover and Kingston Technical College, where he studied architectural drawing.

Roy worked for the Jamaican Government as a Housing Overseer before serving as the overseer/scale clerk at Sevens Estate; there, he met the love of his life, Ena Black, whose brothers were Roy’s drinking partners. Roy paid Ena’s older brother, Muslem, to hide the bicycle, which she rode home from her job as a teacher in Four Paths. With no way to get home, Roy came to the rescue with his motorcycle and the rest was history.

Roy and Ena got married in 1956 and the union produced three sons. The couple bought a home in Oliver Gardens and remained in May Pen until they migrated to the United States. Roy and his family settled in New York, where he worked at a variety of jobs including the Marriott Hotel, until he joined the New York City Housing Department. They later relocated to Miramar, Florida, where Roy worked for the City of Hollywood Housing Division, until his retirement.

Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved life and was helpful to so many. Roy loved to cook and socialize and he always had a smile on his face and a word of encouragement to share.

Roy was survived by: his wife, Ena; sons, Raymond (Tony), Michael, and Rudolph (Wayne); daughters-in-law, Sherry and Sharon; grandchildren, Alex, Briana, and Matthew; sisters, Rose and Helen; brothers, Allan, Winston, and Dougie; and several nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baileymemorial.com for the McLennon family.