Roger Davis Motes Jr.

Posted on January 11, 2023

On Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, Roger Davis Motes Jr., a beloved father and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was 70 years old. He was born to Roger “Buck” Davis Motes Sr. and Sarah Ellen Motes on May 13, 1952. Roger attended Naples Senior High School and St. Petersburg College. Originally from Naples, he was a longtime resident of Steinhatchee. Roger was a carpenter, a skilled wood craftsman and commercial fisherman. He was a proud member of the Sons of the Confederacy and enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR races, baseball and coaching softball. He was a successful poker player, regularly competing in High Stax Poker tournaments. He was an avid metal detector hobbyist and donated found historic artifacts to local museums. Roger was best known as a colorful storyteller, a humble spirit and a kind and generous friend. He is survived by: his partner, Bunny Motes; his children, Ashley Houk and Jacob Motes; his granddaughters, Hallie Houk and Savannah Houk; and his sisters, Sarah “Becky” Motes and Barbara Jenkins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at Waters Memorial Gardens in Steinhatchee.