Gene Raymond Motley

Gene Raymond Motley October 3, 1935 - July 5, 2016 Gene Raymond Motley, known for his genuine interest in people, his unique sense of humor, and the way he imparted wisdom on everyone he met, died of heart failure on July 5, 2016. He was 80. The Danville, Va. native was born to Russell and Handy Motley on Oct. 3, 1935. He was the second oldest of one brother and four sisters. Motley graduated from John Mercer Langston High School in 1955. He attended Tuskegee Institute (Ala.) and, in 1959, earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education. Following college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve as a second lieutenant.Later, as an infantry unit commander, he earned the Expert Infantryman’s Badge. Motley was honorably discharged from Fort Jackson, SC in May 1966. Motley met his wife, Ruth Gamble,through mutual friends near her hometown Charleston, SC. They were married on Aug. 13, 1966 and moved to St. Augustine, where he served as a pillar of the community until his death. He also served as a faithful member and steward of the historic First Baptist Church for more than 54 years. The Motleys were united in marriage for 49 years and shared three children. Upon moving to St. Augustine, Motley began working at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind as an industrial arts instructor. In 1977, he was hired at the St. Augustine Technical Center as principal for adult and community education, where he retired after 18 years of service. Motley’s colleagues describe him as an outstanding educator who was instrumental in executing several groundbreaking programs, including the Homework Hotline, the adult pre-literacy program, and St. John’s County first GED program. Motley was very active in the community. He was appointed by Gov. Lawton Chiles to the Florida Board of Pharmacy and as an Interim St. Johns County Commissioner, District 2. He served as Past Commander for American Legion Post 194; member,the St. Augustine/St. Johns County Community Hospice Advisory Board, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. He was a member of the NAACP; the SDW Smith, Ancient City, Mt. Horeb Masonic Lodge #20; Life Member of the Ft. Mose Historical Society; and a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Gene is survived by his wife Ruth; three children, Russell, Marcus (Sharon), and Yumeko; three grandchildren, Troshauna Mitchell, Troynicqua Mitchell, Troy Mitchell, Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Zaporria and Zamarria; five siblings, Geraldine Price, Calvin Motley (Wilma), Edmonia Irvin, Verdell Harris (Ralph), Fran Motley, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation is Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Home going service is Thursday, 11 a.m., First Baptist Church, 89 Francis Street. Interment is Friday, 10 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.