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“Everyone wanted to be his friend”: Roy Jones, 55
Roy Raymond Jones
By Elizabeth Montgomery
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roy Jones showed the world the American dream was attainable. He served his country in the U.S. Army and served his community as owner of Galaxy Diner in Chamblee.
“He always wanted to make everyone happy,” said daughter Christina Lee.
His personality attracted anyone who stepped foot inside the diner.“Eighty percent of people who came in came to see Dad,” said Lee.
He served good meals and laughs with customers, and performed self-taught magic tricks to entertain children. A hallway in the diner began to fill with pictures children drew for him.
“Everyone wanted to be his friend,” Lee said.
Jones, born in Canton, Ohio, had no prior restaurant experience. He was a go-getter and a self motivator who previously owned a pager warehouse and a beauty supply store. Owning a restaurant, “was something he always wanted to do,” said friend Joseph Hatchel.
“It was the perfect fit for him,” Lee added.
Roy Raymond Jones, of Atlanta died Oct. 17 of cancer. He was 55. A funeral service was held Monday at Atlanta Unity Church, 3597 Parkway Lane in Norcross. Fischer Funeral Care was in charge of arrangements.
Fellow businessman and frequent customer Dennis Williams said, “Roy’s in Atlanta was my favorite place for breakfast and the best chilly hot dog in Atlanta.”
“I enjoyed our conversations and exchange of business tips, world events, magic tricks, and just plain friendly conversation every Saturday and Sunday morning.”
Friends and customers deemed Galaxy Diner as the “Cheers” of the neighborhood.
It felt more like you were coming to Roy’s home than a restaurant, Williams said. “Many of the customers over the years became friends through Roy.”
When he wasn’t at the restaurant greeting customers, taking food orders or showing diners to their table. Jones also loved to play pool.
On the rare occasion he would take a vacation, he still got up early.
“He would sit on the deck with his cup and soak up everything,” Lee said.
“He had a strong will and determination to be different.”
And he left a legacy for his family: “He showed us that if you put your mind to it you can achieve it,” Lee said. “Nothing is out of reach.”
In addition to his daughter, Jones is survived by wife Myong Cha Jones, daughter Maria Dominguez and three grandchildren; all of Atlanta.
