Richard Sermon Jr.

Obituary For Richard Sermon Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Richard Sermon Jr.

Richard Sermon, Jr. was born on December 9, 1950, to Mr. Richard Sermon, Sr. and Mrs. Gretchen Edwards Sermon in Jacksonville, Florida. He was lovingly welcomed by three older siblings, Cheryl, Harry “Buddy,” and Gretchen “Candy.” The four shared an adventurous childhood together—fishing, visiting the beach, and, in Richard’s case, catching minnows with friends in the small ditch near their house. Known affectionately as “Dicky,” he matriculated through Duval County Schools and graduated from Raines High School, Class of 1968.

Dicky’s musical talent shone brightly during his high school years. He served as drum section leader in the marching band and was first-chair percussionist in the Jacksonville Youth Orchestra. Toward the end of his high school career, he was selected for both the All-State High School Band and the inaugural McDonald’s All American High School Band. That year, he was the only musician chosen from the state of Florida. In 1967, he also performed as a percussionist in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade All-American Band in New York City.

Richard accepted a band scholarship at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he quickly rose to leadership again as section leader of the snare drum section in the renowned Marching 100 band. Recommended by Dr. Julian White, his high school band director who later joined the FAMU music faculty, Dicky proudly led his peers while majoring in music. He also became a member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity, and the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

While at FAMU, Dicky met his wife, Janet Mobley of Tallahassee, while working in the campus Placement Bureau. After six years of dating and enjoying one another’s company, especially on the tennis courts. The two married in 1977 in Tallahassee, Florida; the score was love—love. Together they raised two children, Jamaal Rashaad and Jenay Rolaunda. With many adventures, much teamwork, and unconditional love, they happily shared forty-eight years together. As devoted members of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Richard Jr. and Janet raised their family under Christian leadership, grew together spiritually, and served faithfully in ministry as Deacon and Deaconess.

Over the years, Dicky continued to pursue his musical passion as a dedicated drummer in several bands, performing throughout the region and across the United States. In 1972, he and five other talented North Florida musicians formed Grand Fusion, a funk, soul, and rock band that performed widely, including televised showcases. Later, several members evolved into the group Work for Higher, which thrived from the 1980s for nearly 25 years. The band members became family, raising their children and building community together. During this period, Richard also pursued certification and training in Computer Information Systems in Ft. Lauderdale, while continuing to perform with local South Florida bands.

Dicky made lifelong friends through music, fraternity, and community. As his life evolved, he leaned even more deeply into his foundation in the Holiness church, The House of God, in Jacksonville, and brought his gift for drumming into Christian service. He played faithfully at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and in the re-formed Work for Higher band. Richard Jr.’s foundation was built upon a rock— and that rock was Jesus Christ.

Richard Sermon, Jr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, brother, uncle, and faithful friend. He will be cherished for his sense of humor, kind heart, gentle nature, and extraordinary musicianship.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Sr.; his mother, Gretchen Sermon Brown; his sister, Gretchen “Candy”; and his brother, Harry “Buddy.” He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of family, including his wife, Janet Mobley Sermon; his children, Darron Arnold, Jamaal (Blandine), and Jenay (Kuthula); and seven beloved grandchildren: Darron Jr., Amina, Jayden, Justin, Tyler, Isaiah, and Ayanda. He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Lott and Michelle Sermon-Davis; his brother, Richard Lamonte Sermon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Deacon Richard Sermon, Jr.—“Dicky”—was a man hallmarked by his love for God, his family, his church, his music, and his alma mater, Florida A&M University. He was a loyal supporter of FAMU Football and a lifelong champion of the Marching 100. His legacy of faith, family, music, and peace will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be 11 0’clock AM Saturday, September 6. 2025, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 224 Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL.

Viewing will be held on Friday September 5, 2025, from 12 to 5 PM followed by a Wake Service at 5 PM and the Omega Service at 6 PM at Strong & Jones Funeral Home, 629 W Brevard Street, Tallahassee, FL.

Service may be viewed at vimeo.com/event/4870133.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Richard Sermon Jr.

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