Roland Day

On Thursday, May 27, 2021, Roland Ansel "Sonny" Day Jr., loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 80. Sonny was a native of Westbrook, Maine, and had lived in Jacksonville, FL for most of his adult life. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and shortly thereafter met and married the love of his life, Betty Frances Smith, on March 21, 1959, in Kingsland, GA. Sonny served overseas in the USMC during the Vietnam War for several tours earning a Good Conduct Medal with one star, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After he was discharged honorably in 1967, he worked at the Naval Air Depot in Jacksonville, FL as an Aircraft Electrician earning praise upon his retirement in 2005 in a Letter of Appreciation from the Commanding Officer for his exemplary performance of duty in his field and thanking him for his 45 years of service to the United States government. Loyal and hardworking, his career was one of superb performance and he was consistently extolled for his excellent organizational and technical skills. Sonny was most comfortable at home where he could be with his family. He loved taking care of his house and working in his yard. When he did venture out, his compassionate spirit would find those in need and try to lend a hand however he could; he helped several foster children through the years, spent many hours rocking babies at a local hospital, and supported the Clay County Animal Shelter by fostering animals just to name a few. Never was there a more compassionate and loyal person than Sonny, but he found his most passionate calling in being caretaker to his beautiful wife of 62 years. Whenever possible, he would let others know just how much he loved Betty and how her life made his life richer. It was a beautiful testament of their life together. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Roland Day and Gloria Towle, his wife, Betty Day, and his youngest daughter, Lisa Gilliam. He is survived by his children, Keith Day of Newberry, FL, James Gregory Day of Jacksonville, FL, and Melody Dyal, of Jacksonville, FL, along with eight grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. Sonny will be given a military funeral honors ceremony at his committal service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery in July.

Roland Day

September 12, 1940 - May 27, 2021