John Ray Mankey

John Ray Mankey was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on July 10, 2020 at the age of 57, after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born on August 3, 1962 to John Junior "Bud" and Janice (Frederick) Mankey in Lima, Ohio. John grew up on a farm in Ada, Ohio with his two older brothers and an older sister. He spent most of his time in the woods on the farm with his friends. As children, he and his siblings enjoyed time camping with their parent’s and family friends at Higgins Lake in Michigan. John was deemed “Frog” as a nickname by his brother-in-law, John Allen. "Frog" stuck with him throughout his life. In grade school, John won the Ada “Punt, Pass, and Kick” competition. All through life he enjoyed attending and watching football games, especially when the Ohio State Buckeyes played. As a teenager John enjoyed working on cars and car stereos. After John graduated from Ada High School in 1980, he worked as a mechanic at Brim’s Imports in Kenton, Ohio as well as other service stations. On December 20, 1980 John married his first wife, Anna Lisa Dilts. They had two children, Jonathan Ray Mankey and Krystin King Mankey. He made the most important decision in his life when he accepted Jesus into his heart, guided by Billy Chase, his nephew, on December 1, 1983. On March 4, 1986, John married his second wife, Rebecca Jeanne Cowan. John and Rebecca moved to Saint Augustine, Florida in April 1987. He worked at Old Ponte Vedra Beach, Quail Hollow and Marsh Creek Country Club where he enjoyed landscaping, irrigation installation, and pool maintenance. He created beautiful gardens both at work and at home. John and Rebecca enjoyed spending time with the Cowan family in Brevard, North Carolina. He loved miniature dachshunds and walked with them everywhere – on the beach or hiking in the mountains. The two of them loved watching the sun and moon rises on the beach. His family knew this, as he often texted beautiful pictures of these moments. One of his proudest moments happened in 1997 when his son Jonathan, moved from Ohio to Florida to live with him. John was a member of Crescent Beach Baptist Church and was baptized by Pastor David Beauchamp on March 27, 2016 at Crescent Beach during the annual Easter Sunrise Service. John Ray Mankey was preceded in death by his parents, John (Pat Mankey) Allen, Billy Chase, Char (Steve) Mankey, Charles DeHart Cowan, Ph.D. and Barbara Cowan. Those left to cherish his memory are Rebecca Jeanne Cowan, son Jonathan (Brandi) Mankey and their daughters, Layna Rae and Makenna Rose; daughter Krystin King Mankey, and her sons, Ryan Ray Irwin and Alexander King; brothers Steve Mankey and Michael (Dr. Richanne) Mankey; sister Pat Mankey Allen; sister-in-law Deborah (Daniel) Davenport; Erica Mankey (Rob) DeMuch; Rachael Mankey Smith; Breeanna Mankey Becker; Natalie (Maegan Campos) Mankey; Kari Allen Reed; Miranda Rae (Matt) Wickman; Rachel Oksana (Caleb) Hoag; Electra Jean Towles; nephews Joel Michael (Rachael) Davenport and Stephen Leonid Davenport as well as many great nieces and nephews along with many friends who he treated like family. John’s Memorial Service will be held July 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM at Crescent Beach Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida. It will be officiated by Stephen L. Davenport and David Beauchamp. Prior to the service from 4:00 - 6:00 PM the church will be providing food and fellowship. Artwork by his brother, Michael Mankey.

John Ray Mankey

August 3, 1962 - July 10, 2020