Herbert Lee Jones, Jr.

Obituary For Herbert Lee Jones, Jr.

Herbert L. Jones, Jr.
January 28, 1955 - November 9, 2025

Herbert Lee Jones, Jr.— affectionately known as Lee, Junior, Coach Lee, or Herb—was born on January 28, 1955, the second of five children born to Marylene and Herbert Lee Jones, Sr. Even at a young age, Herbert showed a strong will and independent spirit. When his parents moved to Miami, Florida, he chose to remain in Jasper, Florida, where he was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Louis and Geneva Jones.

Herbert was educated in Hamilton County, where he ran track, played football, and graduated from Hamilton County High School in 1972. When not in school, Herbert helped run the family farm in Marion Station alongside his grandparents and uncles. He rode horses, drove tractor-trailers, hunted, grew tobacco, and raised animals. During the summers, his sisters, brother, and first cousins would also visit to spend time helping on the family farm.

In 1974, Herbert made Miami his home. He began his work life at Mt. Sinai before joining Grand Union Warehouse, where he worked for about five years. After its closing, he began his long career with Aloha Freightways in 1985. Herbert remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2023, and continued to support the company as a relief worker whenever needed. During this time, he also enjoyed playing in a local softball league.

Herbert was married to Rheba Ghee, and from that union came his daughter, Leshawn. In 1978, he met the love of his life, Doretha Love. They married in 1986, and their blended family grew to include Elijah Armstrong, Antwan, Eldrin, and Delton.

Herbert had a deep love for the water and spent countless hours boating and fishing. If he passed by a pond, lake, or river, he was known to say, *“Man, that looks like some good fishing.”* He was a passionate sports fan, especially devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed all genres of sports, loved “Earth, Wind & Fire” and attended most of their concerts, and rarely missed a TV western. Truly a “jack of all trades,” Herbert could fix or build just about anything, and his family knew they could rely on him for any task. He was also a proud Chevrolet enthusiast and a firm believer in being early—never late.

Herbert’s love for football led him to become a devoted coach with Optimist sports programs. He joined the Bunche Park organization, coaching various weight classes before eventually becoming the park’s president. He also coached baseball and guided numerous teams to championships. In 2009, he received the “John F. Gaeta” Award in recognition of his vision, dedication, and commitment to youth sports. His mentorship helped shape the lives of many young athletes, including a few who went on to play in the NFL.

Above all, Herbert was a devoted father, son, husband, coach, and friend. He lived a life of service, always ready to help anyone who called on him. Most importantly, he recently rededicated his life to Christ through water baptism.

Visitation:
Friday, November 21, 2025
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Funeral Service:
Saturday, November 22, 2025
11:00 AM

Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church

2400 NW 68th Street
Miami, 33147