Rubin Sylvester, Jr.

Rubin was born on July 14, 1935 in Marianna, Florida to Rubin Sr. and Hattie. He attended school in both Marianna and Panama City Florida. He met his wife Ludelar and moved to Tampa Florida after they were united in holy matrimony. He worked various jobs ranging from a veterinary technician to a funeral home aid before he was drafted in the United States Army in 1957. He served 20 years including 2 tours in Vietnam as a mechanic. He was a devoted family man, taking the family with him when his duty stations changed state side. He ensured that the family had family time. He would take the family on fishing trips and to drive-in movies, and though the kids slept in the car, he even took them hunting. Throughout his life, Rubin, along with his wife always managed to aid and encourage not only their family, but also others that were not family (but considered family) and as a result, their circle grew. When Rubin retired from the military, he worked for the City of Winter Park Florida in the City Garage where he eventually retired from the city and became a driver for the Center for Independent living. During this time, he joined Open Door Missionary Baptist Church where he accepted the Lord as his savior and was baptized. He was a devoted and active member of the church. He became an ordained Deacon and a member of the Adult Choir and Men’s Chorus. He was also active in the churches outreach programs. He continued his love of fishing and would often go with his friends and fellow deacons. Though Rubin’s health started to fail, he remained active, working as a crossing guard in Eatonville until eventually he had to stop. He couldn’t attend church, but he was always reading his bible. His faith was strong that he would again be able to fellowship. After several hospital stays and setbacks, he did regain strength and his desire to be back in the church was strong. He attended and was again baptized at Maitland Apostolic. Though the spirit was strong, the body was weak and in the early hours of Friday, March 22, 2019, the Lord called Rubin home to be at rest. Rubin was preceded in death by his father, Rubin Sylvester Sr., mother, Hattie Murkins Stepmother, Johniece Sylvester; stepfather, David Murkins and brother, Aubrey Hillman Sylvester. He leaves to cherish precious memories: wife: Ludelar Sylvester of Eatonville, Florida; children: Larry D. Sylvester Janice of Orlando, Florida, David L. Sylvester Dahlia of Eatonville, Florida; Patricia A. Fontaine, Marvin of Buford, Georgia, Regina Clark (Anthony) of Orlando, Florida; siblings, Sonya Thornton (Lorenzo) of Lithonia, Georgia, Shelia Sylvester of Panama City, Florida, Artis Sylvester (Tabitha) of Panama City, Florida, Rodney Sylvester of Riverdale, Georgia, Tony Sylvester-Gainer (Kenny) of Panama City, Florida; sister-in-law, Christine Sylvester of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Geniece Robinson (Kierron) of Buford, Georgia, Monique Fuller of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Melanie Rimpson (Wesley) of Middletown, Connecticut, Sheree Brady (Tyrell) of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Marie Valentin (Angel); Altamonte Springs, Florida, Patrice Fontaine of Atlanta, Georgia, Brittany Moore of Orlando, Florida, great-grandchildren; five great grandsons and two great grand daughters; host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Rubin Sylvester, Jr.

July 14, 1935 - March 22, 2019