Jerry Monroe Roark, Jr., 58

Jerry Monroe Roark, Jr., of Clearwater, Florida, went to meet his Savior on November 18, 2025. Family visitation will be held Monday, November 24 at 11:00 AM, with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 noon at Community Bible Baptist Church, 6565 78th Street North, Pinellas Park, Florida 33781. The service will be officiated by his pastor and friend, Dr. John W. Brent Stancil.

Monroe was born on January 6, 1967, at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia. From the very beginning, he carried a bright mind, a tender heart, and a love for good music and a well-played ballgame. He was married to the love of his life, Kelly Cooper-Roark, and together they raised two wonderful children, Samuel and Ava—children he adored, bragged on, prayed over, and invested in with all his heart.

From an early age, Monroe loved baseball and the piano. Over the years, he wrote more than two dozen gospel songs and published numerous biographies, sermon-note collections, and devotional writings for pastors and missionaries around the world. Writing was not simply a skill for Monroe—it was a ministry. Whether he was crafting a football update, covering a city council meeting, or breaking a news story, Monroe wrote with accuracy and heart. He contributed to newspapers and publications in Atlanta, St. Petersburg, and across the nation.

But Monroe’s greatest writing legacy came through his passion for the gospel and for missionaries. He spent the last decade documenting the work of faithful missionaries around the world, producing book after book that shined a light on God’s servants and strengthened churches for generations to come. Countless pastors were able to see their material published because Monroe quietly, humbly made it happen.

Monroe loved missionaries and the places where they served. It would not be unusual for him to grab a backpack and be gone for two or three days, checking in from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, or other countries where he would slip away to visit a missionary, encourage them, and take in the sights. He enjoyed being where the work was happening and seeing firsthand what God was doing around the world.

Monroe became a member of Mensa International in recent years, and everyone who knew him would agree—he had a quick wit, a razor-sharp mind, and a humor all his own. He often joked that his brain should be donated to science, and the funny thing was—behind the joke, he genuinely believed his body ought to be studied. He thought highly of his intellect at times and laughed freely about it. But once you got past that playful pride, you saw what everybody who loved him already knew: he was a truly good man with a generous spirit and a deep heart for others. In a final act of kindness, his family graciously dedicated his body to medical science.

Wherever Monroe went, he gathered friends. He had a way of finding something good in everyone, and his relationships were wide and deep. He served faithfully as a church pianist, soloist, choir member, and was involved in the music and teaching ministry of every church he ever attended—including Pinecrest Baptist Church, Glen Haven Baptist Church, and many other congregations where he found joy in serving. His songwriting and musicianship blessed countless hearts. He was also a dedicated Sunday school teacher and a mentor to many, always investing time, kindness, and encouragement into the lives of others. And for all his love of hymns and gospel music, it would not be unusual to hear him at a karaoke night on the church cruise belting out an old George Jones or Merle Haggard tune, smiling ear to ear as everyone cheered him on.

Monroe deeply cherished his family. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Sam Roark, whom he absolutely adored. The two were inseparable—together at school events, sports, or simply enjoying life side by side. Sam’s early passing left a permanent mark on Monroe, and he carried that love and heartache tenderly throughout his life.

After Sam’s death, Monroe’s relationship with his parents, Jerry and Melba Roark, became even closer and more deeply bonded. They followed Monroe and Kelly from Atlanta to Pinellas County so they could remain near their son, their daughter-in-law, and their beloved grandchildren. Their lives were closely intertwined—holidays, special events, regular visits, and countless everyday moments spent together. Jerry and Melba were Monroe’s steadfast encouragers, and the closeness they shared as a family was evident to all who knew them.

He cherished his children—Sam and Ava were constant topics of joyful conversation. It was perfectly normal for friends to receive a movie review from Monroe and Sam after their latest outing, or a picture of Monroe and Ava at the pool—she working on her tan, and he working on his newest writing project. He was involved in every part of their lives, and he was proud of them beyond measure.

Above all, Monroe deeply and passionately loved his wife, Kelly. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership of support, laughter, shared dreams, and unwavering devotion. In Kelly’s sickness these past few years, Monroe’s love for her shone brightest. He stayed by her side, cared for her, protected her, and walked with her through every difficult moment with a tenderness that revealed the depth of his heart.

Monroe loved his church and appreciated the friendship he shared with his pastor. Their regular lunches were often filled with conversations about life, family, writing projects, and what was happening in the world. In these past few years, Monroe became more spiri tually focused and intentional, often sharing thoughts about the Lord, eternity, and what truly mattered. The homegoing of his friends Stephen Troell and Tim Hawkins had a deep impact on him, stirring something within his heart and leading him to pour even more of himself into ministry opportunities and conversations that encouraged others toward Christ.

He was active in sports throughout his life, even competing in the Senior Olympic Games in basketball. He could talk about nearly any team in any sport with insight and enthusiasm.

Besides his beloved wife and children, Monroe is survived by his parents, Jerry and Melba Roark; his parents-in-law, Bobby and Kay Cooper; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Sam, his greatest supporter.

While our hearts grieve deeply, we are thankful for the promise of Heaven and the assurance of that glad reunion day. Monroe ran his race with a full heart, a brilliant mind, and a faith in Christ that anchored every chapter of his life. Though he will be missed beyond words, the impact of his writing, music, friendship, and love will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.

I’m kind of homesick for a country
To which I’ve never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
For time won’t matter anymore.
Beulah Land (Beulah Land) I’m longing for you (I’m longing for you)
And some day (And some day) on thee I’ll stand (Someday we will stand)
There my home (There my home) shall be eternal (Eternal)
Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land
I’m looking now, just across the river
To where my faith, shall end in sight (Shall end in sight)
There’s just a few more days to labor.
Then I will take my heavenly flight.
Beulah Land (Beulah Land) I’m longing for you (I’m longing for you)
And some day (And some day) on thee I’ll stand (Someday we will stand)
There my home (There my home) shall be eternal
Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land
Beulah Land, oh it’s Beulah Land
Oh Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land
-Squire Parsons