A Tribute to Big Mike: Percival Author Roberts Jr. (Big JR)

Just about everyone on Green Turtle Cay knows me as Jr. or Big JR, but my real name is Percival Author Roberts Jr. I was one of twelve siblings in my family. My mom was born in Governors Harbor, but my dad was from Green Turtle Cay. Sadly, my mom passed away when I was born, and my Aunt Rosalyn Curry brought me to GTC and raised me along with her daughter, Astella Lowe, and Allan Curry. Those two women, along with my wife, Judith, hold a special place in my heart for their love and nurturing of me.

Percival Author Roberts Jr.

It was a good thing these three women had so much love for me because I was a difficult child to raise.

Allan Curry was Big Mike’s best friend growing up. Allan referred to Big Mike as his “brother,” and no one messed with either one of them on GTC.

The first time I met Big Mike, I was six years old. My grandfather used to take me on walks about the town. Big Mike was pouring the concrete for the basketball court. I was curious about the process and had lots of questions. My grandfather tried to shush me so I wouldn’t interfere with Big Mike’s work. Big Mike said he always had time to answer a question, especially

if it meant I had the opportunity to learn how things worked.

'I had a bad temper and was quick to get mad. Big Mike was alerted to my challenges and sought me out. “OK JR, this is the way it is.” He never gave me grief for doing wrong. Instead, Big Mike would guide me on how to behave better. He never chastised me; he just always loved me.

I had to take the long road of grief before I finally stopped drinking. As I grew up, I turned to alcohol to control my temper; however, alcohol only made me mean. I have been sober for 40 years. I was brought up in a good home but took a wrong turn. Big Mike loved the “ugly duckling” me and guided me the whole time.

Oftentimes, I would go to BlueBees Bar and visit with Big Mike’s mama, Miss Emily. If you want to know where Big Mike got his heart of gold, he got it from his mama.

Did you know that Lillian Carter, Jimmy Carter’s mom, danced at the BlueBees bar? And composer Red Lane wrote a song about Miss Emily, “Miss Emily’s Picture.” John Conlee, an American country music artist, recorded and released the song in August 1981.

“Miss Emily’s Picture.” John Conlee

Miss Rita was Big Mike’s wife. We were both on the board of the Green Turtle Burial Society. I was the President and Chief Burial Officer; Miss Rita was Secretary, Pastor Johnny was Vice President, along with Perry Bodey and Victor Cooper. We were responsible for revamping the Society, which had been dormant for years. People had to go to Nassau to get caskets, etc. When we restarted the Society, we discovered there was $40,000 in the bank just sitting there. The Society's mission was to provide families with caskets, funds for a service, tents, and staff to help prepare the burial plot. We designated $150 a day to each burial staff member for funeral details. My request to the staff was that when someone dies, I wanted them to drop what they were doing and get the cemetery ready. This was big money back then and assured us available staff.

Society members had to pay two shillings each year to receive these services. Anyone from Green Turtle Cay was allowed to be a member of the Society. Kids were covered in the family membership until the age of 14.

Miss Rita, the rest of the board, and I ran the Society for 15 years. The Coffin House building is where Susan and Old Blue now live. Roger Lowe built caskets there for over 50 years. The last casket he built was for Wade Stiles, who worked for the CIA and retired here on GTC. Bishop Johnny now leads the Society.

Big Mike had a heart for this community. He wanted to see the community improve. Big Mike often said, “Thank God for our tourists because they rent our houses, golf carts, and fill our restaurants.” Ron, you have big shoes to fill in your new town leadership position. You won the town council role by popular vote; people think highly of you. Follow in your dad’s footsteps.

Big Mike was a part of my work, marital, and family life because he was my mentor. If I had a challenge, I would go to Big Mike first. Mike was never mad. His message was always shared with love, not annoyance or irritation. I miss him.

In honor of Big Mike’s enduring legacy and commitment to our community, we invite you to contribute to Big Mike’s Community Center. Together, let’s ensure his values of generosity and kindness continue to thrive. Thank you for your support.

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