Ulysses Roof Sr.

Mr. Ulysses Roof, Sr. was born on February 19, 1941, to Sarah (Woodyard) Roof and Solomon Roof, in Miflin, Alabama. He was married three times, (e.g., twice married and divorced to Helen Roof and once to Shirley Roof). Ulysses and Shirley left the south for Chicago, IL. Ulysses was a country boy at heart and was anxious to return to the south. Following the death of Shirley’s mother’s, the south i.e., Foley, AL, they returned and lived until Shirley’s death.  

Following Shirley’s death, Ulysses returned to Fort Walton Beach. In August 2020, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He rehabbed in Ponte Vedra, FL, with his eldest daughter; after which he resumed his independent living with the support and love of his namesake, daughter-in-love, their five children, and stepdaughter, Patricia White who always answered his beck-n-call and his youngest daughter served as his “Girl Friday.” Ulysses tripped, fell, and broke his hip, in August 2021. He required surgery and physical therapy. However, the lack of movement gave way for his cancer to metastasized, to his brain. He was called home on Friday, July 29, 2022, peacefully, in his sleep, at the age of 81.

Ulysses was human. He had many jobs but was best known as a mechanic an aptitude and skill inherited by his youngest son. He loved cooking, eating, fishing, and hunting, and anything that would get his outdoors. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Though gone from his children’s lives many years, he loved them! His youngest “thought” she was the favorite, because he spoiled her, but “we” know better. Daddy made amends where possible enjoying many happy years and memories, (e.g., getting back and shoulders rubs by his eldest son, grocery shopping with his daughter-in-love, dressing up in elf pajamas at Christmas, becoming the Valentine’s Day King, just enjoying quality time with his family) with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind four children: Jacqueline Thompson (Al), Ulysses Roof, Jr. (Sandra), Freneshia Roof, Alphonso Roof; two step-daughters: Patricia White and Vicki McKinney (Ronnie); 14 grandchildren: Tedra Thompson, Clarissa Jackson, Freneshia Williams (Miguel), Shamonta’ Roof, Ulysses Roof, III, Tresandra Roof, Mahrod Roof, Alphonso Roof, Jr. (Chuntavia), Jason Roof, Denzel Roof, and Tylon Roof, Ronell McKinnie (Ravene), Travis McKinney, Robert McKinney (Edward);  21 great-grandchildren: Xiona Armstrong, Ashiya Henson, Malik McLemare, Larry Pettiway, Malaya Williams, Belizaire Roof, Cincere Roof, Nehemiah Roof, Janiyah Roof, Jaylah Roof, Nyla Roof, Olivia Roof, Marquis J. Roof, Riley Roof; Tamari McKinney, Leilani McKinney, Taraji McKinney, Jaiden McKinney, Layla McKinney, Kayden McKinney, and Kingston McKinney; siblings: Ronnie Bettis and Regina Lawrence; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Bettis, father, Solomon Roof, sisters; Mary Katherine Bettis, Earlene Durham, Joanne Woodyard, and brothers: Clarence Wallace, Hubert Wallace, and Floyd Roof.

The family thanks you for your calls, love, prayers, and thoughts.

Paul Bears: Ulysses Roof III, Miguel Williams, Cory Boyd, Chris Davenport, Tony Durham,  Travaress McLemore.

The internment will be held at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach FL.

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